Waikanae Wanderings: Art, Beach and Beautiful Things

For our first Waikanae Wandering, we set out to explore a few places that show just how much variety can be found in one relaxed local outing.

We began at Toi MAHARA, Waikanae’s beautiful public gallery and creative heart. It’s a space that invites you to slow down, look closely and connect with the stories, artists and ideas that shape our region. Whether you’re popping in for a quiet moment, bringing visiting friends and whānau, or making the gallery part of a bigger day out, Toi MAHARA is one of those places that reminds us how lucky we are to have creativity woven into everyday life here.

From there, we wandered out to Waikanae Beach and stopped in at Long Beach Tavern. A true local favourite, Long Beach has that easy coastal energy Waikanae does so well — relaxed, welcoming and just a short stroll from the sand. It’s the kind of place that works for a casual lunch, a drink with friends, a family meal, or a sunny afternoon that rolls gently into evening.

Our final stop was Hendrix Home, a gorgeous little destination for coffee, gifts, homewares and browsing. Part café stop, part treasure trove, Hendrix Home is full of thoughtful finds — the kind of place where you might pop in for a coffee and leave with a candle, a card, a beautiful object for the home, or a gift for someone special.

Together, these three spots make a perfect little Waikanae day out: start with art, head to the beach, enjoy something delicious, and finish with a browse somewhere beautiful.

Waikanae has so many places that are worth noticing, revisiting and sharing. This was a lovely reminder that sometimes the best wanderings are right on our doorstep.