Location: Putaruru
Top Things to do in Putaruru
Top 6 Things to do in Putaruru, New Zealand
Putāruru is a small town in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It is on the Oraka River 65 kilometres south-east of Hamilton. The correct form of the name is thought to be the Māori word Putaaruru – "To come forth like a ruru (morepork)"; sometimes given as 'Home of the Owl'.
Restaurants in Putaruru
1. Te Waihou Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By Jetryx - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We went here for a picnic lunch and was amazed by the cleanliness and crystal clear waters. As we don't have the luxury of time, we just parked our car near the exit (Leslie Road) and made our way to the Springs which took us around 15-20 minutes. We did bring a stroller but got a bit disappointed as we cannot push the stroller through a small gate opening. I would not recommend bringing one to future travellers. As we were hungry, we set our picnic area on a shade as soon as we past the gate. we were thankful that we did because there are no suitable areas for picnics as we went further towards the blue Springs. This place is very good if you want to spend some time to relax and feel the nature.
2. Lake District Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 105 reviews
Based at the southern end of Lake Karapiro, near the geographic centre of the North Island of New Zealand, Lake District Adventures is positioned to let you enjoy the clean air, great scenery & lakes of the Waikato / Bay of Plenty. We hire mountain bikes & kayaks plus have a shuttle van to move you around the various trails of the area. PLUS - Kayak Glow Worm Tours.
Reviewed By BLienhard
If this is the only way you can figure out to go and see the glow worm canyon, by all means do it. Floating down through the glow worm canyon at night is an awe-inspiring experience.
However, if you've ever kayaked before or if you have any familiarity with boats/water, you're going to find this annoying. From the emails we received in advance and the way the guides were talking when we got ready to go, I assumed that we would be heading through some moderately challenging whitewater. Not so - the trip is up an utterly calm river with few challenges, and the kayaks are the sturdy plastic kind built for beginners. The guides, however, seemed to be afraid of people getting wet at all. They are very bossy, and require you to put on plastic pants and neoprene booties. Then you have to go through a lengthy on-land training on how to paddle a kayak and how to get into a kayak. You can't just grab your paddle and kayak and get in - two guides insist on helping each person in the group.
The trip itself is a lovely, easy paddle - except for the guides. The guides herded us and told what to do constantly. They must have mentioned one tree stump about 100 times, and went into emergency mode when our group approached the stump. One guide sat in his kayak on top of the stump warning us while the other shouted directions.
The nagging and nannying did not stop when we reached the midway point to stop, rest, and wait for nightfall. Again, we couldn't just hop out of our kayaks and pull them up. The guides had us line up, and get out one by one. Then, in a throwback to 1970s ideas about wildnerness survival, they demanded that we drink hot Tang and eat snacks. After this, we went through the torturously slow procedure of getting back into our kayaks one by one.
For the float down through the glow worm Canyons, they told us to be silent, which was great. However, they did not stay silent, and seemed to be obsessed with keeping all the kayaks in a perfect line "Relax and look at the Glow Worms! Keep to the left! You, start paddling! You - stop paddling! That's good!"
I'm all for safety, wearing life jackets, etc, but this was just ridiculous.
If you have never kayaked before and are a bit afraid of the water, this is definitely the kayak trip for you - you will feel comfortable and confident. If you're not a beginner when it comes to this kind of thing, you're going to feel nagged and penned in.
3. Waikato River Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
The Waikato River Trails opens up beautiful land in the Southern Waikato region to the public. You can choose to cycle or walk just a part of the trail, or challenge yourself and experience the entire length, starting from the Atiamuri start point in the South through to the Pokaiwhenua Bridge Carpark in the north. A shuttle service is available for bookings.
Reviewed By Full_noise_duo - Auckland Central, New Zealand
These trails are some of the best in the county and are well kept and maintained. The trail that I have done runs alongside the Waikato river and Awapuni Dam. the scenery is beautiful. Great for families and all abilities. Some come on - get out there and enjoy.
4. Dog and Sheep Shaped Corrugated Metal Buildings
Overall Ratings
4 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Allgoodthyngs - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
Where you have corrugate sheep, you need a corrugate dog to mind them. Where you have a corrugate dog minding corrugate sheep you need a corrugate shepherd to mind the corrugate dog that's minding the corrugate sheep!
Not just the buildings, there are lots of signs in the town as you drive through so keep your eyes peeled.
Guess its these buildings that have put Tirau on the map. Plenty of parking and some good shopping and information inside the dog and sheep too!
5. Over the Moon Dairy
Overall Ratings
5 based on 38 reviews
We are a boutique cheesemaking factory, making a wide range of cheese types from cow, sheep, goat and buffalo milk. You can usually see our cheesemakers at work Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday and the most action happens from about 10.30 to 1pm. As we have a different schedule every week, please phone to confirm cheesemaking times and days so you don't miss out. We also have a variety of cheeses to try out and love talking to visitors about cheese and cheesemaking. We're open every day (Monday to Friday 9.30 to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10-4pm) and look forward to seeing you!
Reviewed By karina f - Cambridge, New Zealand
had to select some different types of cheeses and crackers for a cheeseboard. I test sampled quite a few and selected a English blue vein, a creamy brie type and Cheddar type solid cheese. They smelled strong but tasted delightful and so fresh. Looked magnificent...MoreThanks Karina, we love what we do! Sue - owner.
6. The New Zealand Cheese School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Cheesemaking activities We specialize in private group bookings, with small or large group sizes. We can customise an activity for your needs and budget. Cheesemaking demonstrations Cheese talk and taste Hands on cheesemaking practical workshops. Corporate Team Building activities. Prices typically range from $10 to $125 per person
Reviewed By w00fies - Auckland, New Zealand
Four family members went because one had been given vouchers for Christmas. We were interested but not really keen. Well that was at the start. By the end of the class none of us wanted to leave! THIS WAS GREAT.
We were told the science, shown the practical and took home the results.
Neil was a wonderful teacher, gave each of us individual attention and helped us all achieve a great batch of mozzarella balls.
There were nine people in all that were split into two teams .... this in no way diminished the quality of teaching we received. THUMBS UP Neil.
