The South Waikato District of New Zealand
THE FAMOUS TALKING POLES OF TOKOROA
The Talking Pole (Nga Pou Pou Korero) pictured right, was the first of many to be erected in Tokoroa. It received world-wide publicity when first unveiled in June 1998, when objections where aired over the interpretation of "the seed of life". This carving was located in Leith Place, adjacent to State Highway 1, right behind the Information Centre. Unfortunately, it had to be destroyed, so only lives on here.
Several talking poles have been erected around the town since, including the one pictured left (unveiled 2 March 2004) being a tree carving between State Highway 1 and Leith Place.
Access to this lookout is via Sloss Road at Dunham's Park at the northern end of Tokoroa township, with extensive views as the reward for visiting. On a clear day the snow on Mount Ruapehu is visible. Public toilets in Dunham's Park.
These native bush reserves are located near Tokoroa on Galaxy or Pokai Roads, which are within Carter Holt Harvey's forests. For safety reasons a permit is required before entering the forest area and this can be easily obtained at no cost from Carter Holt Harvey Forests Limited office at Greyburn House, Leith Place, Tokoroa, during working hours. A map showing access routes will also be provided. (Weekend visitors should call before 4.00 p.m. Friday to obtain their permit and map.) Phone (64)(7)886 2799.
WHAKAMARU, MARAETAI AND OHAKURI HYDRO LAKES AND DAMS
These three hydro lakes are all within a 25 minute drive from Tokoroa and provide ideal spots for swimming, boating and fishing. Tours to any of these are available on request, by telephoning (64)(7)882 7199. There are camping facilities available at Lake Ohakuri, courtesy of Carter Holt Harvey Forests Limited.
This man made lake is within a recreational reserve on Maraetai Road, Tokoroa. A popular area for picnics and walking.
As you travel between Putaruru and Tokoroa on State Highway One, two significant monuments to early South Waikato life are clearly visible. Located at Lichfield is a store built from locally quarried Ngutawera stone and a brick water tower constructed in 1886 to service the railway.
This recreation reserve is located at Waotu, on the shore of Lake Arapuni. A popular spot for fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing and picnicking, it has the added bonus of a very dramatic rock face as a backdrop. Public toilets.
Entrance to an easy walking track through native bush with many native birds in residence. Toilets and picnic facilities are located on Waoto South Road. Because of its significance this Waotu reserve is not open at all times, but arrangements can easily be made to view it by calling Gordon and Celia Stephenson (64)(7)883 2862 or John Lamb (64)(7)883 2875.
An outstanding area of virgin native bush which includes a stand of massive rimu trees and a totara tree which still bears visible marks of a section having been debarked with stone age tools. The timber from totara growing in the South Waikato was considered of such exceptional quality that much of it was felled in the past to provide piles for Auckland wharves.
Arapuni is 16 kilometres west of Putaruru en route to Waitomo. The hydro electric power station and dam were among the first to be built on the Waikato River. The swing bridge, which is suspended 54 metres above the power station, is 152 metres long and has a slope of 8 metres. It can be accessed from Arapuni Village and was erected in 1925 to enable easy access for power station employees. Not for the faint hearted, those who do venture on are rewarded with views of the scenic gorge. Public toilets are located at the dam site.
The many lakes, rivers and streams throughout the South Waikato provide a very varied choice of trout fishing locations. For some friendly advice and information and/or to obtain a fishing licence, contact Tokoroa Sports World, Mannering Street, Tokoroa, phone (64)(7)886 4752 or Putaruru Sports World, Princes Street, Putaruru, phone (64)(7)883 8489.
This "living glimpse of the past" is set in 1.5 hectares of park like grounds on State Highway One (3 kilometres south of Putaruru). Extensive displays record and illustrate the history of the timber milling and logging industries which are an integral part of life in the South Waikato. Open 9.00 am to 4.00 pm daily. Public toilets, tea rooms, children's play area, free picnic area. Phone (64)(7)883 7621.
WOODTURNING
Putaruru is the home of National Woodturning Exhibitions and internationally reown woodturner, Mr Ken Sager, can be found at his workshop adjacent to the Putaruru Timber Museum most week days. Ken is very happy to demonstrate his art and has an extensive array of turned items available for purchase. Phone (64)(7)883 7546
The Oraka Reserve is within Putaruru township and, in addition to providing a pleasant walking track along the bank of the Oraka River, is an ideal spot for relaxing with a picnic. Barbeque facilities have been provided by a local service club for public use. Access from Tirau Street (State Highway One) at the northern end of Putaruru, or from Galway Crescent.
TIRAU TOWNSHIP
Steeped in English tradition dating back to the mid 1800s (when it was known as Oxford), Tirau is widely acknowledged as a very significant Antique Centre. The town has several antique shops, a honey shop and craft shops in addition to restaurant, cafe, hotel and tea room facilities. Farm stay Holidays are also available near Tirau. Further details can be obtained from Tirau Information Centre, phone (64)(7)883 1720, and from Tirau's own webpage at http://www.tirauinfo.co.nz/.
Situated 4 kilometres from Tirau on Rotorua Road, this museum has a very wide range of items on display. Although the main focus is on typical articles and material used by the early settlers of New Zealand, the artifacts include military memorabilia and a vast collection of farm equipment (including ten tractors). Open 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. Phone (64)(7)883 1442.
Located on the same site as Ernest's Museum, Tui Apiaries includes a glass beehive for viewing and a honey shop. During summer, bee information sessions and live displays are available by appointment. Open 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. Phone (64)(7)8831442