Waikato / Waitomo
Raglan Hamilton SHOPS AND BOUTIQUES A medley of independent shops showcases the artsy, flower child vibe of Raglan.
RAGLAN BOAT CHARTERS In addition to an already very dreamy sunset cruise, these guys now run a scenic morning cruise across the harbour, complete with tea and coffee.
KĀwhia Raglan
TONY SLY POTTERY SHOP Practical and beautiful, this is a brilliant option for gift shopping.
SURF AND TURF HORSE RIDING
Experience atathe thrill of trotting atam M across farmland and beach with a KĀwhia passionate guide. Tours are adapted
SOLSCAPE From its lofty position offering dramatic sea views to the on-site yoga classes and earth domes, Solscape eco-resort will restore your every chakra.
SURFING The best spots are Ngarunui Beach, Manu Bay, Whale Bay and Ruapuke Beach.
to suit ability. HIKE MT KARIOI Energetic types will relish the five to six-hour hike up and over the summit of Karioi on either Wairake Track or Mt Karioi Track. The latter is steeper but more scenic.
tambridge MatamaC
KAYAK TO PANCAKE ROCKS Book with Raglan Kayak & Paddleboard for an excursion to the Limestone Coast. Paddle between rocks, little beaches and chasms before stopping for cappuccinos and baked goods.
WAIRĒINGA/BRIDAL VEIL FALLS Walk to vantage points at both the top and bottom of these spectacular 55m falls. Allow 10-20 minutes respectively. The top track is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
TdegAwamutu r i b m e Ca
tu Te Awamuo t Ō rohanga Te Kauwhata
ŌtorohangeaKuiti T
POKENO ICE CREAM & COFFEE SHOP This curbside stop-off serves a colossal 12-scoop cone for $14. A 20-minute drive from Te Kauwhata.
Waitomo
Caves
Huntly
RANGIRIRI PĀ was a Māori stronghold attacked by British troops in 1863. The area is preserved with wood carvings and info panels, just off SH 1 in Te Kauwhata.
Te Aroha
POUNAMU TAONGA GREENSTONE SHOP IN TE KAUWHATA Buy beautiful items of greenstone, bone and mother of pearl at wholesale prices.
Hamilton
Raglan
HAMPTON DOWNS MOTORSPORT PARK Calling all petrol heads: here is a racetrack, café and go karts. Watch some seriously fast cars lap the track – or take one yourself.
KĀwhia
Matamata
See Map Section - pages 111 to 123
Te Awamutu countryside © Adobe Stock LEFT: Eating ice cream © Auckland Unlimited Inc.
TE AWAMUTU ROSE GARDENS Inhale the heavenly scent of more than 2500 rose bushes, admire the fountain depicting birds in flight and discover a handful of fantastic playgrounds. TE AWAMUTU MUSEUM Learn about the Waipā region’s past via interpretive stories, historical accounts and the impressive Uenuku, a carving to represent a tribal god of the Tainui people. TE AWAMUTU SPACE CENTRE This museum and activity centre combined delves into our solar system using interactive displays, virtual reality and telescopes. With
Te Kuiti
no set opening hours, jump online to see what’s what.
TREE CHURCH, ŌHAUPŌ This garden’s centrepiece is a full-sized chapel made entirely of trees. Open Sundays from 10am-4pm from midOctober to the end of April. New onsite accommodation and workshops have recently opened.
PUTĀRURU
PIRONGIA FOREST PARK An ancient volcano, Pirongia sits 25km south west of Hamilton and is a 10-minute drive from Te Awamutu. Surrounded by bush-covered slopes that form part of Pirongia Forest Park, a wealth of tramping tracks await, from 15-minute lookouts to a hefty six-hour assault to the summit.
PUTĀRURU
PIRONGIA MOUNTAIN BIKING Nudging the foothills of Mt Pirongia, the Sainsbury Road Mountain Bike park trails offer off-road cycling routes ranging from Grade 2-5 (easy to advanced).
RANGIAOWHIA TO O‑RĀKAU, WAIPĀ JOURNEYS Rangiaowhia, a once thriving Māori village before British invasion, sits 10 minutes from Te Awamutu. Take one of six self-guided tours using Te Ara Wai Journeys: digital stories told by historians, kaumātua (tribal elders) and other experts. A 10-minute drive from Te Awamutu.
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