Tirau: distinctive architecture, art and golf

During a stay in Tirau, you can choose to focus on distinctive architecture, art, golf or a visit to a café. Animal shapes define part of the townscape, while the corrugated iron sculpture and the golf club appeal to other interests. When choosing a hotel in Tirau, it helps to consider in advance whether buildings and artistic motifs, a round of golf or a café break will matter most to you.

Architecture with animal shapes

Tīrau’s information centre is housed in a building shaped like a dog. It is at the northern end of town on State Highway 1 and has plenty of parking. The Dog is an iconic building and a significant landmark on Tīrau’s main street. The sheep-shaped buildings house a wool and crafts shop. The architectural motifs therefore include both animal shapes and a specific retail function.

Art and golf offer different points of interest

Tirau also has a corrugated iron sculpture of a pukeko. Its subject and material distinguish it from the animal-shaped buildings: the sculpture centres on the animal depicted, while the buildings incorporate animal shapes into their architecture. The design theme thus ranges from animal-shaped buildings to a sculpture made of corrugated iron.

Tirau Golf Club offers a different point of interest. Its park-like course has 18 holes and a par of 65, and caters to experienced golfers, beginners and social groups. If golf is your main interest, the par rating and number of holes show the specific profile of the course. The stated groups also give an indication of who the course is intended for.

Poppys Café

Poppys Café on the main street serves coffee, smoothies, homemade food from the display cabinet and brunch. If you’re planning a café break, these specific offerings can help guide your choice. As the menu may change, check the current selection before your visit if particular foods or drinks are important to your plans.

More things to explore in the South Waikato District

The wider South Waikato District destination has more historical and cultural points of interest. 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 established in 1927 to celebrate, document and preserve this history, particularly in the South Waikato District.

The Talking Poles are carved poles in the centre of Tokoroa, created for locals and visitors. They represent Tokoroa’s various cultures, clubs and organisations. The Putāruru Waterpark has two large mosaics. The Arapuni Suspension Bridge is downstream from Arapuni Power Station on the Waikato River in the South Waikato District.

Discover more destinations: Putaruru, Piarere, Tokoroa, Okoroire

Back to the main travel overview: South Waikato District.