South Waikato District

South Waikato District offers travel experiences ranging from a riverside setting and industrial history to public art. If you’re looking for hotels for a trip to the district, these different highlights can help you choose your destination: consider which themes interest you most.

River and Timber History

The Arapuni Suspension Bridge lies downstream from Arapuni Power Station on the Waikato River in South Waikato District. This riverside connection differs from the timber history of the NZ Timber Museum south of Putāruru and the carved Talking Poles in Tokoroa.

The NZ Timber Museum is just south of Putāruru on State Highway 1 and offers the chance to see and experience the history of New Zealand’s timber industry. It was founded in 1927 to celebrate, document and preserve this history, particularly in South Waikato District. It connects a national industry with its explicitly highlighted importance to the district. Those interested in this history will find a different focus here than at the river bridge or among the artworks in Tokoroa.

Art, Lake and Orientation

The Talking Poles stand in the centre of Tokoroa: unique carved poles created for locals and visitors. As a collection, they represent Tokoroa’s various cultures, clubs and organisations. Putāruru Waterpark also has two large mosaics. This makes it easy to distinguish between different art experiences: the representative carvings in Tokoroa and the mosaics in Putāruru.

Lake Moananui surrounds an artificial lake built by the Matamata County Council in 1974/75. Its origins add a designed landscape feature with a specific historical connection to the district’s cultural and industrial themes.

Tīrau Information Centre is at the northern edge of Tīrau on State Highway 1; it also has extensive parking. Its location and parking are useful landmarks if Tīrau is one of your destinations in the district.

In the wider Waikato destination

In the wider Waikato destination, Hamilton Gardens has 18 enclosed gardens inspired by gardens from around the world. Visitors can choose a highlights tour or an audio guide; both options are suitable for the whole family. The gardens offer a different focus from the industrial history and carved art of South Waikato District.

Also in the wider Waikato region, the Over the Mountain Track follows a historic route from Hicks Road in the north to Pukeatua in the south and leads to Pukeatua Peak. The track includes Te Raki Track and Te Tonga Track. Allow around five to six hours for the hike. The southern peaks offer views of the forest and Waikato’s lush landscape.

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is also in the wider Waikato destination. Its native forest is home to more than 730 native species, including kiwi and kākāpō. The Moa-Hunter experience is an immersive cultural journey led by a Mana-whenua guide. The cultural experience and biodiversity are two distinct aspects of this sanctuary.

Discover more destinations: Tirau, Putaruru, Piarere, Tokoroa, Okoroire, Hauraki District, Hamilton City, Waitomo District.

Back to the wider travel overview: Waikato.