Location: Otorohanga
Top Things to do in Otorohanga
8 Things to Do in Otorohanga That You Shouldn't Miss
Otorohanga is a north King Country town at the southern end of the Waikato region in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 53 kilometres (33 mi) south of Hamilton and 18 kilometres (11 mi) north of Te Kuiti, on the Waipa River. It is a service town for the surrounding dairy-farming district. It is recognised as the "gateway" to the Waitomo Caves and as the "Kiwiana Town" of New Zealand. Until 2007, Otorohanga held a yearly 'Kiwiana Festival.'
Restaurants in Otorohanga
1. Aranui Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By cngj - Chelmsford, United Kingdom
This was a real find. We did the three main attractions at Waitomo and this one was very impressive. Here you see lots of different cave formations of varying sizes in every direction you look.
We also did the nearby walk up the river through several short tunnels. On this you can see a few glow worms up close in the daylight.
Note that this cave is a 5-10 min drive from the main Waitomo visitor centre.
2. Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 582 reviews
Since 1971 the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park has been helping to save New Zealand`s national icon, the Kiwi bird. The Kiwi House is a not-for-profit organisation; all proceeds help support conservation projects. We guarantee that visitors will always see Kiwi, plus the largest private collection of native birds and reptiles in NZ.We are just 15 minutes from the world famous Waitomo Caves and 2.5 hours south of Auckland.
Reviewed By Ricardo Z
We expected to be able to take pictures of a kiwi, but instead we were only able to see them in a nocturnal room and no pictures or videos were allowed in there.
This was the only part of the tour that was guided, the rest is self guided.
3. The Thirsty Weta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew D - Sydney, Australia
Great food and great beer. We had Moroccan rubbed lamb and a lamb and broccoli Asian salad which were both great. I can see why this is number 1 on TripAdvisor.
4. Waitomo Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Waitomo Big Birds (Ostrich & Emu & Giant Moa) and Miniature animals provide an hours petting experience for animal lovers with lots of photo opportunities with animals - miniature horses, donkeys, llama & alpacas, baby-doll & dwarf sheep, goats, miniature highland cows, mini-bulls, and small petting animals - mini-lop rabbits, tortoise, and mini-munchkin cats with kittens in season.
Reviewed By Colin M - Jakarta, Indonesia
Enjoyed it, although a little disorganised. We had booked at the local tourist office, and this seemed to irritate the host (presumably they get a cut), and she didn't seem to have been expecting us, which was a little bizarre, recognising we wouldn't have visited there otherwise... But after that awkward start, everything was fine, we were shown around the farm well, and a nice selection of animals I think the owner could do with some help, and the price is very cheap, ie could increase the price to support that.
5. Otorohanga i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Seniortraveler65 - Tokyo, Japan
The woman was very helpful and knowledgable about traveling in the area, but when I booked a place for the night, I was misled about several things. This is probably not their fault as they were probably given the wrong I information to begin with. For instance, I asked if there was free wifi. Well 1/2 hour is free, after that it costs money. That would have been worth knowing.
6. Ed Hillary Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Julie M - Wellington, New Zealand
We had no idea how much we would enjoy the Ed Hillary Walkway until we started our journey. What fun! We pushed a button here and another there. With each button we heard not only the National Anthem, but also the legendary Aunt Daisy in full voice, Ches and Dale the cheese boys, a haka, and more ... Photos and memorabilia kept us smiling and Reading details. We remembered them all so well! What fun!
A wonderful addition to this kiwiana town! Inspirational and well worth a visit. We are so happy we had time to spend to really enjoy it!
7. Kiwiana Leisure Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Waikato's newest attraction nestled in New Zealand's Kiwiana capital, Otorohanga! Celebrating all that is 'Kiwi' a full 18 hole Kiwiana themed mini golf course is a perfect introduction and fun for all ages! World class batting cages compliment the park and visitor fun where you can try your hand at cricket, softball or baseball. There's even a pro drive golf range to enjoy as well as native bush and target paintball courses with paddock paintball coming soon! With large park like grounds ready for you to enjoy a picnic and barbecue available for hire this makes the perfect place for travellers, friends, family and corporate events to unwind, have fun and relax!
Reviewed By TravelTheWorldRocks
Did batting, driving range and mini golf. Was great, especially the theme mini golf. Lots of challenge on mini golf with great use of space. Really helpful and friendly staff with good surrounding. Next time will take a picnic as great place to enjoy a...MoreThanks so much so taking the time to write a review! We like your suggestions and will look to put some additional combos together. Please check out our Facebook page and website for upcoming events and specials.
8. Waitomo farm tours
WAITOMO FARM TOURS Run by entrepreneur Allan Barclay, Waitomo ATV Farm Tours is a new innovation offering something unique to the North King Country region of New Zealand. Allan's vision is to showcase some of the most spectacular scenery in the country in an escorted tour that combines beauty, culture and heritage in a way that not many get to experience.
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