. Waverley .
Waverley has a black sand beach, the colour is due to iron sand deposits. The campground at the beach is well used in the summer months, as the beach provides safe surfing. Waverley has a number of cafes and coffee shops and is a popular place for tourists to stop for a break before entering the Taranaki region.
Waverley and surrounding community has a South Taranaki District Council LibraryPlus, which provides a full library service and Council related services. These services include being able to register your dog, pay your rates or inquire about obtaining a building permit. Other services include a Tot Time for the under 5s and book club catering to intermediate and high school age children. The LibraryPlus also has three APN computers, offering free internet and Skype to the public.
Waverley has a small skate park as well as a playground in the town park that can be seen off the main road that runs through Waverley. Also on Brassy St there is a small dirt jump track for push bikes. The locals call it the BMX track. The cave at Waverley's cave beach is collapsing due to erosion.
Waverley has a large sawmill which employs around 48 staff. The mill is the only major sawmill as far as New Plymouth in the north and Levin in the south.
History
Wairoa’s name was changed to Waverley in 1876 to avoid confusion with other towns called Wairoa. Many of the area’s early settlers came from Scotland – they chose the new name in memory of Sir Walter Scott, whose books had become known as the Waverley novels.
It was an important colonial stronghold during the land wars of the 1860s, during which time the town was called Wairoa. The town is well known for its farming and thoroughbred stables. The race horse Kiwi was trained in the paddocks of a Waverley sheep farm by owner Snow Lupton, and went on to go from last on the final bend to win the 1983 Melbourne Cup.
Statistics
Waverley is a small town located in the South Taranaki District it is 44 km northwest of Wanganui. Patea is 17 km to the west, and Waitotara is 10 km to the southeast. State Highway 3 and the Marton - New Plymouth Line railway run through the town.
Population
Population was 819 in 2018. 798 in 2013 census from 861 in the 2006 Census, a decrease of 105 from 2001.
Weather
Average temperature 13°C
Average rainfall 1092mm
Waverley Primary School
Primary
http://www.waverleyprimary.co.nz/Waverley Primary School is a co-educational contributing primary (years 1-8) school with a decile rating of 3 and a roll of 118. Public education started in the area in 1873.
Waverley Racing Club
Horse Racing
https://www.nzracing.co.nz/RaceInfo/Clubs-And-Courses/56/48/Club.aspxThe Waverley Racecourse is located off State Highway 3, two kilometres north of the Waverley township
There are three race meetings per year – the March date is the feature day with the Waverley Cup for $50,000 in stake money. This is a major event and well supported by the Waverley community.
It has a carnival atmosphere with marquees, entertainment, live music and kid's entertainment - country racing at its best. Country Punter of the Year was run for the first time in 2006 and the Gold Challenge Cup is up for grabs as well as good prize money.
The Waverley Racecourse was upgraded in 2005 and a new running rail installed in April 2006.
Other race days at the Waverley Racecourse are in July and September
The Waverley Racing Club was established in 1874 and is a very strong and proactive club.
Hole In The Rock
Just 9 kms on tar-seal from Wereroa Road, the main road through the town, you will find the home of the iconic Hole in the Rock, long black sandy beaches and a camping ground with everything needed for holidaying campers - in vans, with tents or just back-packing - who need a place to stay for the night with hot running water, toilets and cooking facilities available.