Te Ara WaiTe Ara Wai Journeys is a free, self-guided tour of culturally significant sites throughout the Waipā District. Discover places of local and national importance, and hear unique stories told by local experts. Take your smart phone and start exploring!
Activities in & around Te Awamutu
Te Awamutu MuseumVisit Te Awamutu Museum to experience Waipā region’s fascinating stories. One of the most significant taonga (treasure) displayed in the museum is Uenuku – a carving of one of the traditional Maori gods or spirits said to manifest as a rainbow. Free entry, koha welcome.
Te Awamutu Space CentreAt Te Awamutu Space Centre you'll find interactive displays about space and astronomy, a collection of space artifacts and memorabilia, games, toys and more. Owner "Space Dave" is amazingly knowledgeable, so if you ever had a question about anything space related, ask him while there! 5km from Te Awamutu.
Te Awamutu Rose GardensThe luscious Rose Gardens - planted over 50 years ago - showcase around 2000 bushes of more than 50 different rose varieties. The roses are flowering from November to May. Click on the photo above for a map of the Rose Gardens beds.
Lake RotopikoExplore a 10,000 year old peat lake, admire 400 year old Kahikatea trees while having fun at the activity stations on the Rotopiko Discovery Trail. 7.7km from Te Awamutu
Sanctuary Mountain MaungatautariSurrounded by a pest proof fence and preditor-free the mountain offers a safe haven for many of New Zealand’s most endangered species - from birds such as Kiwi, Kākā, Hihi, Tieke, Takahē and Kōkako, to bats, frogs and giant wetas. Te Awamutu is the closest township to the mountain. (28 km)
Lake NgarotoLake Ngaroto is one of the best places in the Waikato to experience natural wetland. The mostly flat walking track (approx 1.5 hrs), picnic area and playground make this a great family walk. 8 km from Te Awamutu
Yarndley's BushThis Forest is home to some of the largest remaining Kahikatea trees, some over 35 metres tall. Yarndley’s Bush is a great place for bird watching, it attracts fantails, grey warbler, tui, pigeons, finches and rosella. 30 min loop walk. 5 km from Te Awamutu
Alphra LavenderThe best months for a visit to see the different lavender varieties flowering, are early December through to late January when the harvest for lavender oil distillation is done. 9km from Te Awamutu. (Our i-SITE is stocking most Alphra Lavender products.)
TreeChurch OhaupoA living church in beautiful gardens in Ohaupo. The TreeChurch inspires feelings of peace, contemplation, joy and solace for many who visit. The Gardens include a labyrinth, European and English inspired collections, a Monet-style pond and perennial flower gardens. 14 km from Te Awamutu
Pirongia MountainPirongia Mountain is a distinctive landmark 27 km west of Te Awamutu. An ancient volcano, its dramatic skyline and dark, green forest contrasts strongly with the surrounding farmland. From 15 minute walks to an overnight circuit to Pāhautea Hut (booking required) - Pirongia Mountain offers something for everyone. Hut Passes available at our i-SITE.
Pirongia Heritage CentreThe Centre offers visitors information about Pirongia and its district. It is located in a former Anglican church building ( St Saviour’s). A variety of displays in the centre tell the story of the Pirongia settlement from its military beginnings to the present day. 14km from Te Awamutu.
