What’s so great about Tirau, Waikato?
Tirau there are plenty of things to do. Discover, Tirau a junction town, a perfect place to stop on your road trip and snap a photo of yourself against one of the many corrugated sculptures.
Tirau highlights
- Tirau Dog Tourist Information Centre and a town where a functional corrugated iron sheet is now an art form
- The town’s identity is now large corrugated iron sculptures depicting main street businesses. The public toilets are located in large corrugated sheep together with a visitor information desk. Another set of public toilets, off the main road are worth a photo stop together with the pukeko signage on the shops opposite. Tirau is part of North Island Two Week Road Trip
- Putaruru Blue Springs are a #nzmustdo for nature lovers. An easy 1 ½ walk through rolling farmland or for those pressed for time a short 30 minutes from the upper carpark
- Play golf in a beautiful rural setting at the Tirau golf course. In three hours you can walk the course. There is cart hire and green fees.
- Nearby is the The Waikato River Trails. Cycle trails following New Zealand’s longest river, through farmland dotted with sheep and cows, forest and suspension bridges over fast flowing rivers
- Kayak the Waikato with Riverside Adventures, locals who know where the glomworms are located
Corrugated iron is an acknowledgement of a rural service town’s links to the humble corrugated shed. ‘The Dog’ in Tirau in 1998 was the first of thousands of Corrugated Creations now spread around the world. Each is made with the same processes and materials as a corrugated iron roof – and is expected to last just as long.
Corrugated iron signs on the outskirts of Tirau, New Zealand
A corrugated iron Santa sculpture on a roof, Tirau, Waikato
Where to take the best selfie in Tirau, Waikato?
The best place to take a selfie in Tirau is …
- Find a corrugated sculpture you like (think toilets!) and click away
- The massive sheep is a firm favourite
- Check out the nearby Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel, enjoy a open air soak in therapeutic mineral hot pools or play a round of golf on the Okoroire course
- A top Waikato attraction is nearby Te Waihou Walkway and Putaruru Blue Springs
What to do with the kids in Tirau, Waikato?
Kids will have plenty of things to keep them entertained in Tirau …
- Plenty of cafes for road trip snacks
- Kids will be fascinated by the massive water flow at Putaruru. The eels lazily swimming among the waving water grass fronds are sure to entertain the kids
- Go kayaking with Riverside Adventures on a guided tour where safety is a primary concern
Heritage buffs have the option of exploring the privately owned Tirau Museum, stacked to the rafters with agricultural and domestic memorabilia.
Riverside Adventures, Waikato
Discover the Waikato River at your own pace with Riverside Adventures Waikato (previously Lake District Adventures). We are situated only minutes from Tirau yet in a world of it’s own, our spot along the Waikato River is surrounded by lush bush and overlooked by the magnificent Maungatautari. At Riverside Adventures we want you to savour the beauty of our picturesque backyard. Our guided tours are designed to take you on a physical and spiritual journey as you explore the Waikato with us
Kayak Tours: Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour
A relaxing family adventure where you paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream, through the spectacular canyon that has been carved out by water over hundreds of years, and over the submerged Horahora village.
- Duration, 3 hours
- Age, 5 years+
- Activity Grade, Easy
Twilight Glow worm Kayak
Starting late afternoon or early evening, enjoy spectacular sights you can only experience by kayak. Paddle slowly through the Pokaiwhenua canyon and, when darkness falls, be guided by titiwai, New Zealand glow worms on either side.
- Duration, 4 hours
- Age, 8 years+
Tirau is a junction town
Intersections with state highway 1 and state highway 5. Tirau visitors can connect to Rotorua, Taupo and beyond to Napier
Tirau with the relatively heavy traffic flows has built a reputation as a shopping destination for antiques and collectibles.
Tirau social media
The official website is Tirau
Huge statue of Moses near road in Tirau, New Zealand
Tirau, New Zealand. `Foodmarket` on main street
Who turned up and settled in Tirau
Tīrau, a farming service town in the Waikato, North Island of New Zealand. The town is a mere 50 km from Hamilton making it an alternative place to stay when exploring the Waikato and Hamilton.
The name Tirau means “place of many cabbage trees.”
Best time to visit Tirau
Year round
Judgment on Tirau
Tirau adds to the richness of things to do and see in the Waikato. For more details about the region check out Waikato Te Awa shared pathway trail attractions, things to do – Best Bits and a firm favourite with visitors, Waitomo Caves highlights what to see and do.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
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