South Waikato

At the southern end of the region sit the country towns of South Waikato, Tirau, Putaruru and Tokoroa, each with their own unique features and stories to tell.

Well known as an antiques, arts and crafts mecca the area’s quaint town of Tirau is a popular stop on State Highway 1. Browse amongst boutique galleries and gift stores or check out the weird and wonderful corrugated iron creations on show.

Further south Tokoroa celebrates its forestry heritage with the carved Talking Poles and Putaruru’s Timber Museum tells the story of a mainstay industry in the area.

The South Waikato’s undulating bright green pastures and forests offer the walking, hiking and biking enthusiasts among us a world of options including the Waikato River Trails. Good for all age groups and levels of fitness, this series of trails will eventually cover 100km and makes for a truly iconic New Zealand experience.

Water also features strongly in the South Waikato with natural hot pools, crystal clear waterfalls and the Waikato River flowing through the area. The water of the area’s famous Blue Spring is in fact so pure they bottle it. Follow the Te Waihou Walkway to the source, which is fed by spring water that has been underground for up to 100 years.

How far to…..

Tirau to Taupo: 100kms, 1 hour 22 minutes
Tirau to Hamilton: 54kms, 53 mins
Tirau to Rotorua: 51kms, 45 mins