Discover at Waipu Museum, the dramatic story of one of the world's most remarkable migrations. A story of a determined community, overcoming loss, poverty, famine and disease, building their own ships and travelling, unassisted, to the "ends of the earth" in search of a better way of life.

In 1817, following forced eviction from their Highland homes and under the leadership of the charismatic preacher, Norman McLeod, a kinship based community of Gaelic speaking Scottish Highlanders embarked on what was to be a 40 year migration via Nova Scotia and Australia to New Zealand. In the 1850s a total of six ships, brought almost a thousand people to what seemed like a promised land.

Their trials, tribulations and challenges along the way, have been the subject of numerous books, articles, works of fiction, and several significant dramatic productions, including the famous Waipu Pageant which celebrated 150 years of settlement in 2003.

Records of the original settlers and their descendants are available at the Museum. Visitors may find long lost relatives among what are the most extensive genealogical records of any New Zealand community.

The legacy of this today, is a vibrant community, immensely proud of it's Highland origins which are celebrated annually in the New Year Highland Games and whose remarkable story is told at the Waipu Museum.

The Museum incorporates a stunning Gift Shop with high quality local and New Zealand made products and souvenirs, including unique tartan rugs, hand woven to order on the premises.

Waipu township is a short distance from a variety of glorious beaches. The village centre is famous for it's eateries, cafes, antique store, galleries and clean restrooms. Paradise!