Top reasons to visit Waitomo
& the King Country
There's something for every age and enough to keep you occupied for a week
1. Glowworm Caves
Visit Waitomo and the magic of its world famous glowworm caves. A living subterranean display to rival a star-filled sky!
2. Black Water Rafting
Real Kiwi adventure - a Waitomo world-first, where you jump, weave and float along underground streams in an inflated rubber inner tube.
3. Cave Abseiling Adventure
Explore Waitomo's fabulous range of underground adventures - cave abseiling (rappelling) rock climbing, crawling and exploring. Step outside your normal comfort zone with expert caving guides.
4. Otorohanga Kiwi House
The Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park is New Zealand's original Kiwi House. It operates an active breeding programme dedicated to the conservation of our iconic native bird. Enjoy Kiwi viewing in the nocturnal house, a walk though the landscaped park, an aviary stocked with native birds and native reptile displays.
5. Running of the Sheep - Te Kuiti
It's the largest Sheep Run in the world! In a quirky Kiwi version of the Pamplona Bull Run, Te Kuiti lets loose about 2000 sheep to run down the town's main street. The annual "Running of the Sheep" on April 4, 2009 is all part of The Great New Zealand Muster, Te Kuiti's celebration of its "Shearing Capital" status.
6. Kawhia Traditional Maori Kai Festival
February 7, 2009 is Kawhia's biggest day - the annual celebration of traditional Maori kai (food) from the sea and the land. As well as a delicious array of modern and traditional "kai", the festival features cultural performances and displays of Maori art & craft, including flax weaving, tattooing, cloak making and wood carving.
7. 'Kiwiana Town' Otorohanga
Otorohanga, New Zealand's official "Kiwiana Town" since 2002, celebrates popular Kiwi Culture with Kiwiana displays, murals and corrugated iron Kiwi sculptures along its main street. There's everything from the Pavlova story, No.8 Wire, the All Blacks, Sheep, Team NZ, Aunt Daisy, School Milk and the Kiwi to Sir Ed Hillary and Bruce McLaren.
Discover more reasons to visit Otorohanga. Laurel Watson, chef & editor of "In My Kitchen", paid the Kiwiana Capital of NZ a visit.
8. West Coast Wonderland
Miles of stunning coastline from historic Kawhia Harbour, Marokopa, Kiritehere, Waikawau and Awakino to Mokau - Enjoy Waitomo & King Country attractions from caves to coast.
9. Take Time Out from the Fast Lane!
Ask anyone who has spent time in our neck of the woods and they'll tell you it's a wonderful place for taking it easy, catching up with yourself and enjoying some of the simpler things in life. There are great places to stay, eat out, walk, fish, enjoy adventure thrills or just relax. Treat yourself to a tour through the Waitomo & Otorohanga districts in the King Country.
10. Trout Fishing
The King Country offers unique fishing for rainbow & brown trout to suit both experienced anglers & keen novices. Only a couple of hours from Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro, our local rivers & streams offer laid-back & intimate fishing without the crowds.
Click here for Waipa River trout fishing information
Download a brochure on Waitomo & Kawhia trout fishing here
11. Great Food & Dining
Just because the King Country isn't over populated and urbanized doesn't mean you won't find some great places to eat. As well as excellent traditional Fish & Chip Shops (try oysters at Kawhia or whitebait fritters at Mokau!) there are award winning cafes and restaurants, terrific bars and pubs, where you can hang out with the locals, and eateries to suit every budget.
12. Fabulous Free Attractions
Between Waitomo and the West Coast on State Highway 37 check out the Marokopa Falls, the Mangapohue Natural Bridge (the stunning remnants of a collapsed cave) and the Piripiri Cave. Find fossilised shellfish at Kiritehere Beach, wander along the magnificent expanse of black sand on Ocean Beach at Kawhia and drive back over the hills through rolling farmland to Otorohanga.
13. Rare Bird sanctuaries
The King Country's native forests contain numerous native bird species. The most notable reserves are Pureora Forest Park on State Highway 30 and the Mapara Reserve off State Highway 4. These are readily accessible for visitors. For more information visit local i-SITES or Department of Conservation offices.
14. Walking Trails
There are great walking trails throughout the scenic King Country, ideal for short walks or multi-day tramps - the Ruakuri Bush & Scenic Reserve, Mangapohoe Natural Bridge & Walking Track, Marokopa Falls, Pureora Forest Park, any of the West Coast beaches, Leitch's Tramping Track and the Piripiri Cave. For more information on Waitomo & King Country walking tracks click here.
15. Old-fashioned Family Holidays
Who needs a playstation or TV, when you can spend time with the kids around the Waitomo & King Country region? Take them to Waitomo's glowworm caves, go Blackwater Rafting, eat fish & chips on the wharf at Kawhia, visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park, watch angora rabbit shearing, take in a Kiwi Culture Show at Woodlyn Park, check out the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre, walk along stunning West Coast beaches, see the Marokopa Falls & Mangapohue Natural Bridge, go horse trekking & bush walking, see the Kiwiana Display Gallery in Otorohanga.... just 2 and a bit hours south of Auckland, but you'll need at least 2 days!
Find out why "Waitomo has the WOW Factor" in this great article by Laurel Watson, chef & editor of "In My Kitchen".