Porangahau Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Picture tells it all, well except for the silky smooth sand.  This photo was taken in the peak of summer holidays (3 Jan 2015). On the coast road between Waipukurau and Masterton.  

Beautiful sandy beach made for sand castles, fishing, walking, blow carts, etc including annual Easter races and the odd Polo game.
Picture tells it all, well except for the silky smooth sand.  This photo was taken in the peak of summer holidays (3 Jan 2015). On the coast road between Waipukurau and Masterton.  

Beautiful sandy beach made for sand castles, fishing, walking, blow carts, etc including annual Easter races and the odd Polo game.
Longest place name. South of Waipukurau. 
Near Porangahau in Hawke’s Bay is an unassuming hill known as "Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu", which translates into English as "the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as 'landeater’, played his flute to his loved one." Locals simply call it Taumata Hill.

Tamatea was a famous chief and warrior. One day, while travelling through the back of Porangahau, he encountered another tribe and had to fight them to get past. During the fight his brother was killed. Tamatea was so grieved over the loss of his brother that he stayed at the battle site for some days. Each morning he would sit on the hill and play a lament on what is called the koauau or Maori flute.
Thornton Lodge Motel

Thornton Lodge Motel

4 out of 5
2307 State Highway 2 (Takapau Road) Waipukurau
The price is ฿2,419 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
฿2,419
฿2,782 total
20 Feb - 21 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Waipukurau. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Waipawa Golf Course and Central Hawkes Bay Settlers ...
9/10 Wonderful! (125 reviews)
Room was tidy & comfortable. Newly built 3 years so clean & tidy with a large shower cubicle. Rural outlook as we were in Central Hawkes Bay. Friendly front counter staff Harvinder also helpful. Didn't get to use the swimming pool as we were travelling. Maybe next time.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Thornton Lodge Motel
Tuki Tuki Motel

Tuki Tuki Motel

3.5 out of 5
10 Herbert Street Waipukurau
The price is ฿2,349 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿2,349
฿2,702 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Waipukurau. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Waipawa Golf Course and Central ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (96 reviews)
Plenty of room, comfy for a motel, excellent customer service

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Tuki Tuki Motel
Gateway Motor Lodge

Gateway Motor Lodge

3 out of 5
14 Stanley Street (State Highway 2) Dannevirke
The price is ฿2,627 per night from 21 Feb to 22 Feb
฿2,627
฿3,021 total
21 Feb - 22 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Dannevirke. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions International Police Museum and Fantasy Cave ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (179 reviews)
Room was clean and tidy with good facilities

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Gateway Motor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tuki Tuki Motel

Tuki Tuki Motel

3.5 out of 5
10 Herbert Street Waipukurau
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Waipukurau. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Waipawa Golf Course and Central ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (96 reviews)
Plenty of room, comfy for a motel, excellent customer service

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Tuki Tuki Motel
Mt Vernon Villa

Mt Vernon Villa

4 out of 5
106 Lindsay Road Waipukurau
Stay at this holiday home in Waipukurau. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Waipawa Golf Course and Central Hawkes Bay Settlers ...
Mt Vernon Villa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.