To See and Do

Waikato River Trails

The Waikato River Trails meander 100km alongside the Waikato River, winding their way along a path that encompasses the magic and beauty of native bush, exotic forest, historic landmarks, interesting rock formations and geological delights, grassed farmland, open reserve, boardwalks through significant wetland, and expansive lake and river views. The trails can be accessed from several locations/towns.

For more information visit the Waikato River Trails website

Te Waihou and Blue Spring

This award-winning trail is located off Whites Road near Putāruru or from Leslie Road (off White's Road). A stunning and popular trail built with the support of local landowners, Te Waihou Walkway covers a distance of 4.7km with an average walking time of one and a half hours (or three hours) return). The terrain varies from easy walking to back country trekking. Beautiful waterfalls, gushing crystal clear waters and abundant birdlife can be enjoyed. Te Waihou is totally spring fed. Water from the Mamaku Plateau takes between 50 to 100 years to reach the Blue Spring. The reason for the blue colour and high visual clarity of the Waihou River and its spring source is the high optical purity of the water. Over 70% of New Zealand's bottled water comes from the Blue Spring. For more information see the dedicated Te Waihou Walkway page. No dogs (whether leashed or unleashed) are allowed on Te Waihou walkway. Swimming in the Blue Spring environment is discouraged as it is damaging the environment.

The New Zealand Timber Museum

A unique look back at New Zealand history - the NZ Timber Museum is located just south of Putāruru on State Highway 1.

The museum offers an opportunity to see and touch the history of New Zealand's timber industry in attractive rural surroundings.

Exhibits include:

• Taupo Totara Timber Co Ltd office
• Tuck and Watkins sawmill
• Extensive collection of models - Lichfield Lands House
• From Tree Stump to Customer
• Bush cookhouse replica
• Tools of the trade
• Arapuni Church
• Conference Centre

Guided tours are offered with expert, knowledgeable staff.

The museum was established in 1927 to celebrate, record and preserve the history of the timber industry, particularly in the South Waikato District. A small but passionate and dedicated group, the Timber Museum Society, supported by local industry and council developed and managed the site until 2007; when the site was handed over to the Timber Museum of New Zealand Trust.

For more information see the New Zealand Timber Museum website.

Mt Pohaturoa

Towering 240 metres over the river is Mt Pohaturoa (520m), which features prominently in both Arawa and Raukawa tradition. The rock, which served as a lookout post during inter-tribal conflicts, was the scene of many a prolonged siege. One such siege took place several centuries ago when invading Raukawa forced Ngāti Kahupungapunga (possibly a surviving Moa hunter tribe) to retreat to this, their final stronghold. Lack of food finally forced the defenders to abandon their refuge and only five escaped with their lives. The cause of the conflict is said to have been the murder of a Raukawa woman who had been given in marriage to a chief of Ngāti Kahupungapunga. Early paintings show the rock and its surrounds as almost completely devoid of cover. The pine trees date from 1927 and have been a source of controversy as an unwarranted intrusion upon the tapu (sanctity) of the rock. The rock overlooks a lake formed by the Atiamuri hydro-electric power station. Mt Pohaturoa can be viewed from State Highway 1, close to the Atiamuri bridge.

The Rock of Refuge of Hatupatu (Hatupatu's Rock)

Hatupatu was a legendary member of the Arawa tribe of Rotorua. Once, when he was returning to his parent's house after exploring the forested areas around Atiamuri and Mōkai, he found he was being pursued by Karungaituku, a mysterious bird-woman. While trying to outrun her, he came upon a huge rock. Repeating a karakia he ordered it to open for him. "Te kōhatu nei- e matiti matata". The rock immediately split open and Hatupatu leapt inside it to hide until Karungaituku had gone. This rock, Te Kōhatu-o-Hatupatu, stands at the roadside near Atiamuri, about 26km south of Tokoroa, on State Highway 1.

Lake Whakamaru

Lake Whakamaru runs east-west and lies downstream of Lake Atiamuri. It is part of the Waikato River system. It was formed in 1956 when it was dammed for hydro-electricity generation. It is probably the shallowest of all the hydro-electric lakes on the Waikato River system and so warms up during the summer. The South Waikato District Council maintains the Whakamaru Reserve at the southern end of the lake; this is a popular freedom camping spot during summer. There is excellent access to the river for fishing and recreation along the northern bank as State Highway 30 follows the lake for almost its entire length. The road crosses over the dam itself and the small side road provides access to a reasonable section of the southern bank. There are a number of good boat ramps on the lake. The popular Waikato River Trails runs through this reserve to the north west and south east.

The Christian Camp (MiCamp) is idyllic and picturesque, set on the mighty Waikato River and have been established since 1962, proudly serving campers for over 40 years! The camp has outstanding service, great food and warm, clean accommodation. Our awesome activities for young and old are fun, exciting and perfect for school groups, church groups, rowing clubs, any water based club, family events, conferences, retreats, clubs, outdoor education and more! Only 11 kilometres from State Highway One on Ongaroto Road, their central location is ideal for those visiting from the North or the South. For more information about the Christian Camp, visit the MiCamp website.

Lake Maraetai

Lake Maraetai is one of several artificial lakes formed as part of a hydroelectricity scheme on the Waikato River; located close to the town of Mangakino. It is a relatively small lake, covering only 4.4 km, but it is 75 metres deep at some points; and a power generation plant at its northern end.

Lake Moananui

Lake Moananui is one of the South Waikato's largest multi purpose reserves and a popular recreational facility located off Maraetai Road in Tokoroa. The landscape consists of rolling grassland surrounding a man-made lake. The reserve is approximately 27 hectares, with the lake being an artificial impoundment of the Matarawa Stream, and is contained behind a dam of compacted ignimbrite. The dam has a concrete facing which the stream flows over. Lake Moananui and its surrounding landscape have a high quality gardenesque' public park, landscape character. It has all the elements which contribute to a public park of significant physical and visual quality including a large body of water, gently rolling grass parkland, a walkway and typical public park structures such as pergolas, foot bridges and park benches. The total area of the lake is approximately five hectares; the average depth of the lake is two metres with a maximum depth of about 4.5m. There are three islands' within the lake. A large island is situated at the head of the lake. There is a smaller one at the southwest arm and a further smaller island' beneath the dam.

A walkway around the lake is enjoyed by visitors and residents alike and soon to be installed exercise stations will add another element to this already beautiful and well used reserve.

Prior to European settlement of Tokoroa the Matarawa Stream flowed in its natural bed west of the town site. As the town developed, the residential subdivision extended towards the stream, with the stream now forming the western boundary' of the town. As part of the residential growth the Matarawa Stream and its potential recreational development was seen as a focus for sub-divisional reserve allocations. This in turn led to the proposal to create a lake and its associated parkland.

South Waikato Indoor Pools

The South Waikato Indoor Pools are located off Roslin Street in Tokoroa. These pools include a 25 metre lane swimming pool, a tiered leisure pool and spa pool. There is also an outdoor children's play area. It is open year round. Open the South Waikato Pools page for more information.

Cougar Park Mountain Bike Tracks

The Cougar Park Mountain Biking Tracks are located off Mossop Road in Tokoroa. This excellent and well-maintained facility is frequently used by visitors and residents. Close to 20 off-road forest tracks make this home for a number of mountain biking events. The tracks suit a variety of levels and abilities with new tracks being developed regularly. For more information you can visit the Tokoroa Mountain Bike Club website.

Jim Barnett Reserve

The stunning Jim Barnett Reserve is situated alongside the Waikato River in the Waotu area. Thirteen tracks meander through the reserve, all of which are easy walking with a few short, steep bits, negotiable for people of most fitness levels.

But don't stop there, there are a multitude of trails showcasing glow worms, an old tramway and ancient totara. There is a camp site and toilets available, along with potable water and picnic tables. The tracks in this reserve form part of the Waikato River Trails. For more information visit the Jim Barnett Reserve page.

Jones Landing

Jones' Landing is named after Gordon Jones' father who had a boatshed there. The area provides local communities and visiting tourists with good boating, trout fishing, picnic and swimming opportunities. Visitors are treated to impressive geological features. The cliffs to the right of the landing are formed by ignimbrite blocks which are vertically fissured by cooling stresses. For more information see the Jones Landing page.