Attractions

Deep in the South Waikato, two hours away from Auckland and not far from the mighty Waikato River, lies PUTARURU. Our township is located and bisected by State Highway 1 between Tirau and Tokoroa, and at a crossroads between Rotorua and Te Awamutu.

On entering Putaruru heading south on Tirau Street there is an eyecatching circular building – (a coronet of arched concrete and glass) surrounded by native plantings. This 1960s architectural treasure (an old post office that now houses Cadillac Café as well as MOTORMANIA).

Careful inspection of the native grasses and specimens reveals the Putaruru Water Park – designed in the shape of a glorious blue ponga fern in homage to the Blue Spring on the Te Waihou.

Follow the Putaruru Pavement Art Trail

it's an opportunity to admire a collection of stunning pavement mosaic tiles and the best way to see all the shops.

The Lorraine Moller Arboretum is on the outskirts of Putaruru accessed from Harry Martin Drive. It is an impressive collection of exotic trees. Enter the gate and follow the wheel-chair accessible path to the lookout or descend to the valley floor through the labelled collection of maple, oak and dogwood.

A major millennium project saw the formation of a 5 kilometre walkway along the upper reaches of the Waihou River providing access to view the famous Blue Spring. The water from the Blue Spring is so clear it radiates a stunning ultramarine turquoise light. It is beautiful! Don't leave the Putaruru District without walking the Te Waihou Walkway

The Putaruru Timber Museum is definitely worth a visit and only a 2km drive south of Putaruru. Learn about the history of the timber milling and logging industries for the Central North Island, attractively set in 1.5 hectares of park-like grounds. Finish off your tour with refreshments at the Sawmill Café.

Just 6km South of Putaruru on SH1 is the Lichfield Cheese Factory – which is one of the newest and largest cheese factories in the world.

The Te Waotu-Arapuni Heritage Trail links the unique heritage resources of two areas of the South Waikato District providing a fascinating journey of discovery for independent travellers. This trail is comprised of six sites - Stone House, Te Waotu School, Jim Barnett Reserve, Jones Landing, Arapuni Hydro Station and Duxfield Reserve…

The Arapuni Dam and Swing Bridge are well worth the 15 minute drive… walk across the swing bridge and look down on the awesome native foliage below and swirling waters emitting from the power station.