Location: Putaruru
Top Things to do in Putaruru
What to do and see in Putaruru, North Island: The Best Things to do
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. Over the Moon Dairy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 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!
2. Skycoach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Skycoach Ltd operate a daily "door to door" shuttle service, and link the Waikato and Bay of Plenty to Auckland Airport, all regional airports, airport motels, Auckland City and cruise ship wharves. We provide both Shared-ride (usually sharing the shuttle with other passengers) and Private (for your exclusive use), passenger transfer options. We also provide private charters and tours.
3. Blue Spring
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By 83nikk - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I've driven past here so many times and never stopped, I'm so glad we finally did. There are 2 entrances, one is a 15 min walk and the other 1.5 hours - so make sure you get the right one. Beautiful river and springs, hopefully the sun ☀️ is shining when you visit to make the crystal clear water really glow.
4. The New Zealand Timber Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
5. Waikato River Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
The 105km 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 Village start point in the South through to the Pokaiwhenua Bridge Carpark in the north.
Reviewed By Peterides - Auckland, New Zealand
Day 1 of the weekend epic ride at The Waikato River Trails. A 65km ride was ahead of us. 9 riders started from Lake Karapiro after Ted from Tread Routes shuttled us to the start on a very hot February day. A very tuff ride for all. Loads of climbing with down and up switch backs in places. A very scenic ride with views of the Waikato river which the trail follows. Several dams were crossed during the ride. But also views of the surrounding farmland. The ride time for this part of the trail was five and a half hours plus stops. An all day adventure ride. We stayed at the lodge at Mangakino that we had pretty much to ourselves. Day 2. We rode from Mangakino Lodge through to the southern end of the trail. Pickup by Ted from Tread Routes and shuttle back to the lodge for a shower and the trip home. This section of the trails, 38km, was quite flat and far easier than Saturday's ride. The ride time was three hours plus stops. With reasonable fitness, one could easily ride this part of the trail in both directions in a day without too much trouble.
6. Te Waihou Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By KYU153
Arrive early to avoid the crowds and for visibility. We met car loads of people around midday onwards from the Blu Springs end of the trail. The paths are narrow in places so it makes for a less than pleasant experience. We did the walk from end to end starting from the main carpark. When we started the walk at around 10am we could see the bottom of the river so clearly, right from start of the trail to the blue springs portion, the blues and greens were stark. But on our walk back after lunch the glare off the water made the river opaque in a lot places. The track towards the mid section, where the loop starts/ends also has bits where the path has been rubbed smooth and is under tree cover so is slippery even on a hot, dry day. Can’t imagine those sections will be fun to walk when there’s been rain. The best (only) place for a sit down lunch is at the blue springs end or about half an hour into the walk from the main carpark where there’s a small flat section by the river under a grove of trees. If you have 3 hours to spare, definitely recommend starting at the main carpark, the build up to the blue springs is amazing, it’s a cinematic experience.
7. 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
