WAIPUKURAU Waipukurau is one of those places that is clearly progressive. This is a very nice town and has the majority of services that residents require. Waipukurau is quite proud that it is the ‘capital’ of the southern Hawks Bay. Waipawa 7 kms to the south helps to make both constituencies gel. Waipawa has the head office and the museum and Waipukurau has the major retail and business offer. Waipukurau, which translates to something like ‘river of edible funguses', is a rural service town with a passion for aviation. When conditions are right, the airfield is buzzing with activity. Gliding and hot air ballooning are popular here. Other favourite local activities include golf and trout fishing. If you’ve always wanted to sample country life, a Waipukurau farmstay promises an authentic experience. The Hawke's Bay has a much friendlier climate than just 30k south of Waipukurau, and this now beginning to work in the regions favour. Demographic growth is once again apparent. The town was the site of the first church in inland Hawke's Bay, built in 1847 and Waipuk, as the local refer has a great Anglican Church.  Much of the town dates from a model village built by local land-owner H.R.Russell in 18 The War Memorial is duly respected and has a good profile on entry from the north. The Waipuk Hotel commands a ‘wow’ factor when approaching from the south. Waipuk deserves a stop off a break and a look at that hotel when transiting through.