Tirau, Putāruru & Tokoroa – Hidden Gems of the Waikato

In the middle of the Waikato region, the towns of Tirau, Putāruru and Tokoroa may be small, but they’re full of unique charm that makes them great places to stop on a road trip. Each town has its own flavour — from quirky art and cafés to handy bakeries, trails and sculptures that tell local stories. Close together and easy to explore, these towns show a different side of Waikato life.

Putāruru – Gateway to the Trails

Putāruru may not have as many attractions, but it’s a handy stop for supplies and a gateway to the Waikato River Trails. It’s also home to one of the best bakeries in Waikato, Bella Pane, making it worth a stop for food alone. The road between Putāruru and the Arapuni Swing Bridge is especially scenic, popular with bikers and campers.

You can also access the famous Blue Springs from here, as well as from Tīrau or Rotorua, making Putāruru a useful base for exploring this part of the Waikato.

Highlights:

• Bella Pane Bakery – delicious pies and pastries.
• Supermarkets for stocking up on road trip supplies.
• Waikato River Trails access – especially Putāruru to Arapuni.
• Blue Springs access – easy drive from Putāruru, Tīrau or Rotorua.

Why visit: A practical stop with great food and easy access to biking, camping and the Blue Springs.

Tirau – Corrugated Iron Art Capital

Tīrau (commonly spelled “Tirau”) is a charming little town nestled in the fertile farmland of the South Waikato, named in Māori for a “place of many cabbage trees.” While it may be small in size, it packs big personality and plenty of quirk-factor.

Highlights:

• Iconic corrugated-iron art — The town is famously home to large buildings shaped like a sheep and a dog, made out of corrugated iron, promoting Tirau’s title as the “Corrugated Capital of the World.”
• Boutique shopping & cafés — Rather than being just a pass-through stop, Tirau invites you to browse unique gift shops, enjoy artisan cafés and linger for a while.
• Strategic junction — Located at a major intersection of highways (SH 1 meets SH 5/27), so it’s an easy and logical break point when you’re travelling between Hamilton, Rotorua and Taupō.

Why visit: Tirau offers one of the most memorable roadside stops in the Waikato — a mix of bold art, local character and easy access. It’s perfect for a stretch-your-legs break, a photo moment or a slower wander around a town that doesn’t try to be big — just distinctive.

Tokoroa – Town of Sawmills & Sculptures

Tokoroa has long been known as a timber town, once the heart of Aotearoa’s forestry and paper industries. While the sawmills have now closed, the town’s identity is still shaped by its past, sitting between the vast plantation pine forests of the central North Island and the farmland of the Waikato.

One of the most distinctive features of Tokoroa today is its Talking Poles trail — more than 40 carved poles dotted through the town centre, each telling a story of the community, its people and its history. It’s a walking art trail that adds real depth to a stopover here.

Tokoroa also reflects its outdoor lifestyle. The surrounding area is popular for hunting and fishing, with guided tours available for those keen to experience this rustic side of the region. In town, you’ll also find rest areas, supermarkets and petrol stations, making it an easy place to refuel on a longer journey.

Highlights:

• Talking Poles trail – over 40 sculptures celebrating Tokoroa’s people and heritage.
• Forestry heritage – once the centre of New Zealand’s timber and paper industries.
• Outdoor pursuits – hunting and fishing remain popular pastimes in the area.
• Traveller-friendly – plenty of rest stops, fuel and food options along SH1.

Why visit: A town with deep forestry roots and a unique public art trail, offering both cultural insight and practical convenience.

Final Thoughts

Together, Tirau, Putāruru, and Tokoroa may not be headline destinations but they’re great towns to break up a journey through the Waikato. Each offers its own reason to pause — from Tirau’s corrugated iron art, to a fresh pie in Putāruru or the Talking Poles in Tokoroa.

Just beyond Tokoroa, you’ll also often find one of the cheapest self-service petrol stations in Atiamuri, handy for travellers topping up before continuing south. And only a short drive away lies one of the Waikato’s most iconic natural gems — the Blue Springs at Te Waihou Walkway, accessible from Putāruru, Tīrau or Rotorua.

It’s a reminder that even the smaller towns of Waikato hold surprises — whether it’s art, history, food or practical stops — making them well worth adding to your journey.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

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