Farming is the backbone of the district and it is easy to understand why. Farmers benefit from the rich soils and the temperate climate of the district.
Heritage and Culture
The Waitomo district is part of the fabled “King Country” or Te Rohe Potae – a name given when the Maori king, Tawhaio, sought refuge in the region’s rugged bush after the conflict of the Maori Land Wars of the 1860s. It was a no go zone for white settlers until the mid 1880’s when the region was reopened following peace negotiations and the building of the Main Trunk (Railway) Line.
Arts, shows and events,
Waitomo boasts friendly locals, and quaint eateries.
The rural township of Te Kuiti is Waitomo’s largest town and claims to be New Zealand's, and some say the world's, shearing capital. Not only does it host the Annual NZ Shearing Championships, but also the event known as The Great NZ Muster featuring the 'Running of the Sheep' where up to 2000 sheep run the length of Te Kuiti's main street.
Creative talent is ripe in Waitomo with a creative trail featuring artists’ studios, wood carvers, garden art and crafts. Explore at your leisure and relax in one of the many quality cafes in our district.
Magnificent golf courses
Just a few minutes drive from the world famous Waitomo Caves is the Waitomo Golf & Country Club. A quiet and undulating valley course, abounding in native trees and birdlife, lakes, streams and bush clad backdrops. The course is touted as one of the more challenging and picturesque in the North Island.
For a true King Country golf experience, then try the Piopio Aria 18 hole course. Set in attractive farmland, the sheep might graze the fairways, but the greens are well kept.
A Whitebaiters Paradise
The small townships of Awakino and Mokau are rich in culture, renowned for bountiful seafood [fish & whitebait especially], and because it is the West Coast of NZ, you can sink your feet into the warm black sand. Whitebaiting is a major activity between the months of August and November each year and the locals love to cook these into tasty fritters for all to enjoy.
For a truly relaxed lifestyle, sea views and beachside homes, visit Marokopa. Scenic landscape and natural attractions are all on offer at this outstanding coastal location.
Did you know
Waitomo is a Maori word: “Wai” translates to water, “tomo” as hole/entrance, meaning “the stream which flows into the hole in the ground”.
Waitomo is one of New Zealand’s original tourist destinations, attracting visitors for more than 100 years to view its caves featuring glowworms, stalactites and stalagmites.
It takes about 100 years to form 1cm3 of stalactite.
Waitomo Caves have stunning displays of glowworms, a two winged insect that can only survive in damp dark places.
The light glowworms emit is called bioluminescence, a mixture of 4 chemicals.
