2 minutes
Waikato, North Island
Te Awamutu can be overlooked as visitors whisk through town on state highway three to the New Zealand acclaimed Waitomo Caves. Slow down and savour the small rural town with its stunning public gardens, cafe scene and picture postcard views of rolling Waikato farmland.
Te Awamutu is a mere ½ hour drive from Hamilton making for a great spot for a leisurely exploration of the Waikato.
perfect location for your Waikato holiday
Te Awamutu Rose Gardens and Te Awamutu War Memorial Park are outstanding public spaces. Superb family friendly spots where kids can play, jump, slide and test their budding skills on a miniature skateboard park.
Te Awamutu War Memorial Park is a great place for kids to feed ducks their stash of frozen peas and explore the wedding paths among the mature trees and duck ponds. A homage to the wars is framed by a pergola festooned with climbing roses. The sunken garden memorial to the loss of life during times of conflict is shaped in a cross and lined with ornamental stone walls. There is a playground, picnic tables and public toilets… read more Te Awamutu Rose Garden & War Memorial Park.
Opened in 1969, the Te Awamutu rose garden contains over 50 varieties planted in classic curved formal beds and features over 2500 plants. Flowering begins in November and continues until May. The Rotary Club has built a viewing platform which is a great way to get an overview of the rose gardens.
The playground is one of the best in the country. The superb use of the sloping grounds has created a fun sliding tunnel. There are modern climbing, jumping and skipping areas for children with brightly coloured markers creating safe places for kids to play.
Te Awamutu to Sanctuary Mountain is a mere 28 km short drive past Arapuni Dam and rolling farmland to the Pukeatau turnoff.
Must-do walks and hikes in the Waikato region (central North Island) are easily accessible from Te Awamutu. Wander the banks of Mighty Waikato River or briskly climb one of the many volcanic peaks from Mt Pirongia to Mt Te Aroha for panoramic views. New Zealand’s national walking trail from the top of the country to the bottom transverses the Waikato. Te Aaroa (long pathway) weaves its way past historic Mercer, rolling dairy country, interesting hydroelectric dam sites and completes its Waikato jaunt at Te Kuiti, sheep country. For more tips about the best places to walk in the Waikato check out Top 11 favourite Waikato short walks – Best Bits.
Putaruru Blue Springs & Te Waihou walkway – Best Bits is a walking trail. The walkway is a distance of 4.7 kilometres, with an average walking time of 1.5 hours (3 hours return). The terrain varies from easy walking to backcountry trekking with stile crossings. In some areas the track has been benched and steps constructed through the gorge area. There are unfenced waterways, electric fences and livestock, children must be supervised at all times.
Te Awamutu is a ½ road trip to one of New Zealand’s extraordinary places, the Hamilton Gardens.
Combine with a trip to Taitua Arboretum and don’t miss the Te Awamutu rose garden opposite the visitor centre on Gorst Street.
The best time to visit Te Awamutu is between November to mid April when the roses are at their peak bloom. The roses continue to flourish until early May. The average summer temperature is 24.9c dropping to 15c at night. Te Awamutu Weather Forecast and Observations – MetService New Zealand. In winter the area can experience heavy fog making driving hazardous.
Te Awamutu has a modern indoor aquatic centre. The Livingstone Aquatics, indoor facility includes a 25 metre pool, hydroslide, hydrotherapy pool, learners pool, toddler’s pool, spa, sauna and an inflatable obstacle course. Check the facility online for up to date opening hours. Entrance fees apply.
For a substantial agricultural service town and convenient location to key Waikato attractions the town punches above its weight for the depth and scope of its accommodation options. From camping grounds to comfortable converted school houses there is a place to stay to suit your budget. Check out 12 places to go camping in the Waikato and Central Plateau: location map and tips on what to do nearby.
Te Awamutu means the end of a navigable river. Te Awamutu is the administrative centre for the Waipu District, Waikato, North Island, New Zealand. The major natural landmarks are the promontory of Mount Pirongia and Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain (predator free zone for native species).
Te Awamutu is close to Cambridge, Otorohanga, Raglan and Hamilton. The town’s central Waikato location is a hub for agricultural services as well as an attractive visitor destination for exploration of key Waikato attractions.
| Te Awamutu | Destination | Distance from Te Awamutu |
| Te Awamutu | Hamilton | 33 km |
| Te Awamutu | Cambridge | 24.6 km |
| Te Awamutu | Otorohanga | 29 km |
| Te Awamutu | Raglan | 61 km |
| Te Awamutu | Waitomo Caves | 43 km |
| Te Awamutu | Te Kuiti | 47.5 km |
| Te Awamutu | Hobbiton (Matamata) | 48 km |
Te Awamutu is well represented by the Te Awamutu Courier which ably supports the online presence of Te Awamutu.
Te Awamutu, Waikato North Island, NZ is a great hub and spoke destination for a holiday in the slow lane where your bags are unpacked and a series of day trips and nearby exploration offers visitors adventure, natural beauty and the chance to unwind. For more holiday inspiration what to do in the central North Island check out:
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