This is a quiet little resort complex in a tiny settlement on the northland coast, about halfway between Auckland and the Bay of Islands. I love that it only took us just over an hour to get there from the North Shore yet we were so far away from it all. The rooms are in excellent condition and have all the equipment for self-catering. We'd planned to eat at the next-door restaurant but found it closed for mid-winter so had to drive to Waipu township about 6 minutes up the road. No problem, the Pizza Barn was a great substitute with affordable food & friendly service.

We followed the advice in the resort visitor guide and took the clifftop path south of Waipu Cove beach to some 'pancake rock' formations - not really a patch on the West Coast pancake rocks but a very pretty spot anyway. And the beach itself is glorious - huge sweeping vistas with surf rolling in and offshore islands adding interest to the view. We returned home refreshed and renewed after just one night away. Brilliant!

We stayed here for 1 night and thought the place was brilliant! Our only suggestion was maybe a TV in the bedroom and a larger couch or a couch bed?
Will certainly be back.

The term 'resort' is probably a little inflated for this neat and modern motel located in the ever-so-family friendly Waipu Cove. I suspect that this was once a rather nondescript little motel that has had a canny makeover: the rooms are not large but the fittings are modern and stylish, and the decor creates a feeling of spaciousness that probably wouldn't look as generous on a floor plan.

Our room had a seperate (small) bedroom, kitchen/living and bathroom. Breakfast isn't provided. You could whip up a quick breakfast or light meal using the facilities, but probably not much more. There was amply room for two to sit and watch telly, however, as the weather was warm and pleasant we enjoyed a glass of local white wine on the outdoor setting located through the double glass doors at the rear of our room. The motel has a restaurant (really an upmarket pizzaria) that looked a bit overpriced. It's the only real choice in town besides buying food from the even more overpriced general store. The evening we were there however the restaurant was closed, and we enjoyed a meal in nearby Waipu town, about ten minutes drive away.

Waipu Cove is geared mainly towards family camping, so this is the only choice besides B&Bs of various quality sprinkled along the roadside. As such, its not at all a bad choice. Just make sure you buy up some supplies on the larger towns either side of the cove unless you want to be held hostage by the outrageous prices next door.

One hour's drive south of Whangerai and 10k south of Waipu will bring you to Waipu Cove, a delightful little community on a perfect swimming beach. The Waipu Cove Resort is basically the only Motel in the area (there are other B&B's), however with this one there is no need to look any further.
The twelve rooms are spotless, completey modern, fully self contained and offer free broadband internet access. Other facilities are BBQ's and a free laundry for guests. Management (at the time of writing) are a delightful couple and extremely helpful in every way.
There are many attractions in the area - great walks and several superb beaches. Be warned though - shopping is extremely limited so if you are travelling from the north stock up at Waipu Town at a 4 Square there or for greater choices try the large Super Valu at Ruakaka just east of Waipu , otherwise get your provisions at any major town travelling north.