BENNEYDALE

Benneydale was built as a coal mining town in the 1940s. When the mine closed in 1962 the local labour force transferred to the nearby Mangapehi timber mill.
Recreational activities in the area include hunting and deerstalking.

KAWHIA

Just 56kms from Otorohanga, Kawhia sits beside a large harbour fed by five rivers. The area is noted for its history, coastal views and fishing.
The waka Tainui came here in the 14th century and Kawhia is the spiritual home of the Tainui people.
A popular off-the-beaten-track holiday resort, you can fish from the wharf, spearfish flounder by torchlight at dusk in the harbour or pony trek, play tennis, golf or bowls.
Information about the area is freely available from the museum, shops and accommodation outlets.

MOKAU

One of the earliest settled townships in the history of NZ. Named by Turi, captain of the Aotea canoe, while en route to Patea. Coastal views of Mt Taranaki.
Attractions that can be enjoyed along this stunning black sand coastline include, swimming, fishing, boating, cruises, delicious cafés and the awesome sight of whitebaiters lining the river August - November.

Cruises
Three hour trip recreating mail and supply deliveries of early last century. Operating daily November to Easter.

Tainui Trees
Near the mouth of the Mokau River, said to have sprung from the keel of the Tainui waka after landing there 700 years ago. The trees and the waka’s anchor stone can be viewed nearby at Maniaroa Marae Cemetery.

PIOPIO

Piopio has scenic attractions close at hand including walks, gardens, studio pottery, blacksmith museum, antiques, cafés and watering holes as well as many retailers and services. Information is available at all information centres.

Mangaotaki Bush Walk
10 minutes drive from Piopio, a 45 minute circuit through virgin bush. A viewing spot for the spectacular Mangaotaki River.

Piopio and Aria Golf Club
Close to Piopio on the main highway. 18 holes, visitors welcome.

Wairere Power Station and Falls
On the Mokau River.

Waitanguru Falls
A further 10 minutes up the Mangaotaki Valley from the bush walk (see above) you can view these beautiful falls in a bush setting.

OTOROHANGA

Kiwiana Town of NZ
Embracing all that makes us Kiwi, Otorohanga celebrates and pays tribute to Kiwiana. From hokey pokey ice cream to Buzzy Bee and, of course, our national bird the kiwi.
Collect a brochure and quiz sheet from the i-SITE Visitor Centre and take a stroll through the Ed Hillary Walkway where you will learn more about New Zealand cutlure and traditions. Hanging baskets, cafés and great shopping are also to be found in and around the main street. Phone 873 8951 or www.otorohanga.co.nz.

Gardens
The King Country Garden Trail has numerous gardens open to the public by arrangement. Details available from i-SITE Visitor Centre phone 873 8951.

Harvest Rock Indoor Climbing
A simply amazing 10 metre high climbing wall can be found at 5 Tuhoro St in the Otorohanga township. Phone 873 8893 for opening hours and information.

Kiwi House/Native Bird Park
Just 1km from the i-SITE Visitor Centre you have the opportunity to see an extensive selection of native birds and shrubs and a major kiwi and tuatara breeding centre.
Climb a platform into the treetops of a natural rain forest to view tui, kereru, kakariki and more. Ponds and marshlands are home to a variety of unusual birds. Nocturnal houses ensure that visitors always get to see kiwis. Alex Telfer Dr, phone 873 7391.

Otorohanga Museum
Set amidst pioneer buildings from the town, the museum is home to a fascinating myriad of historic and nostalgic collections. Based around local history, the museum provides many a story and is home to a unique ancient waka. Open every Sunday afternoon or other times by arrangement, phone 873 8849.

Otorohanga Swimming Pool
As you continue down Kakamutu Rd towards town, on your left you will see the swimming pool complex. There is a large outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool, both of which are open to the public. Gym services are also available. Phone 873 8646.

TE KUITI

Shearing Capital of the World
Te Kuiti is situated at the hub of the North Island.
In the late 1800s a small railway camp was set up in the rugged bush clad hills of the central North Island and the railway construction town of Te Kuiti was established.
From its railway camp beginnings Te Kuiti has become a major service centre for sheep and beef farms renowned for the production of excellent store stock.
Te Kuiti boasts a number of commercial enterprises such as timber mills, limestone quarries, manufacturing companies and a busy shopping centre.
As host of the three day NZ Shearing Championships it is also recognised for its “The Great NZ Muster” where you’ll see the annual “NZ Shears Running of the Sheep” held prior to the championships in late March, early April.
An art trail has evolved throughout Te Kuiti and surrounds. Beginning in a creative precinct north of town, it includes imported designer furniture, garden art, pottery, carvers and sculptors, painting and locally made limestone soaps.

Altura Garden and Wildlife Park
On Fullerton Rd, a five acre garden with ponds, waterfalls, maples, rhododendrons and cherry trees. The wildlife park has hand reared animals and birds which can be handled, a picnic area and playground. Open daily 10am - 4pm.

Shearer Statue
Pride of place at the southern end of Te Kuiti is a 6m high statue of a shearer and sheep which contains three large time capsules filled with memorabilia given by local townspeople.

Tatsuno Japanese Garden
Opposite the shearing statue. Developed to mark Te Kuiti’s sister city relationship.

WAITOMO

Caves, sculptured limestone landscapes and glow worms attract visitors to Waitomo.
There are adventures to suit all tastes, from easy bush walks to exciting cave trips including abseiling into caverns or floating through the caves on tubes or on a guided boat trip. Start your visit at the award winning Museum of Caves with the multi image audio visual show. See the Glow Worm Cave with the underground boat ride or Aranui Cave with its beautiful stalactite displays.

Black Water Rafting
The only trip of its kind in the world (3 hours). A unique way to see the Ruakuri Cave. Book at the information centre.

Caves Museum
A must before seeing the caves (30-45 minutes).

Horse Back Riding
Half and full day riding available over picturesque country and bush. Overnight treks also available.

Kiritehere Beach
Rocks that were tilted during bygone earthquakes reveal millions of fossils.

Marokopa Beach
Walk on the black iron sands, go surfcasting, whitebaiting.

Marokopa Falls
A magnificent 30m waterfall set amongst pukatea, kohekohe and tawa forest. Worth the walk.

Piripiri Caves
A short walk from the road to a very large fossil oyster laid down some 30 million years ago. Take a torch with you.

Ruakuri Bush Walk
A natural bush walk of 30-50 minutes passing through three short caves and featuring unusual limestone formations. The night time glow worm display is unsurpassed.

Te Anga
Once a thriving settlement, now supporting only a few farms and most importantly a hotel which can service your needs after the walk up the track from Marokopa Falls.

The Natural Bridge
At Mangapohue, a pleasant five minute bush walk from the road, a bridge carved by nature through limestone spans to a stream.

The Shearing Shed
Waitomo Caves Rd. Shearing by bookings and 12.45pm daily. Free of charge.

Waitomo Caves
Turn off SH 3 between Te Kuiti and Otorohanga. Open daily, two main caves, phone 878 8227.
GLOW WORM CAVE: Tours every half hour from 9am to 5pm.
ARANUI CAVE: Guided tours 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm.

Woodlyn Park
Waitomo Valley Rd, only two minutes from Waitomo Caves. Pioneer show, mystery caving adventure for all ages. Phone 878 6666.

MUSEUMS

Awakino
At Awakino Store on the coast, south west of Piopio.

Kawhia
Waterfront location on Omimiti St. Displaying artefacts and fossil of the region. Open weekends and public holidays, five days a week during summer and on request, phone 0-7-871 0808 or 871 0161.

Otorohanga
Kakamutu Rd, open Sunday afternoons or on request, phone 873 8849, 873 7568.

Piopio
Complete pioneer blacksmith’s shop and cottage. Original Piopio Presbyterian Church and Bank of New Zealand displaying pioneering artefacts and an early photographic collection. Open daily or on request, phone 877 8293.

Waitomo Caves
Open daily, phone 878 7640.