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Pro
Lots to see
Con
crossing the street in busy traffic
In a nutshell
Well worth a coffee stop at least when travelling in the Waikato.
3 Reviews When it comes to big sheep, I'm reminded of the one on the outskirts of Goulburn in N.S.W. but this is certainly a worthy challenger. Situated right beside the tourist centre it offers all sorts of woollen items, even ones with possum fur mixed in.
4 Reviews Tirau Information Centre built (1998) to look like a dog. This is no ordinary dog, but the traditional sheep dog that helped develop the area in years gone bye. At night his eyes and nose are lit with small lights. You can find very nice, clean toilets here at the Information Office, for your...
2 Reviews Private collection of Dolls, Toys and Royal Albert China well displayed in this unique castle built to house these. Situated in a really nice spot overlooking lovely rolling farmland, not far from the centre of town. They have a nice large Cafe with nice food and drinks, including Devonshire Teas....
iandsmith Says:
iandsmith Says: Poppy's, with those three delightful flowers atop the roof (obviously they don't get strong winds around here) is where we ate. It's quite a popular place and, inside there is a grand chandelier (pic 2) that originated from the local theatre.They bake their own cakes etc....
iandsmith Says: Here and there in Tirau there were some gardens with fine blooms when we were there in early spring, I thought I might share a couple of shots with you.
iandsmith Says: Tirau is a small attractive township in a rural setting, with the Kaimai ranges as a backdrop. It's population of approx 800 people belies the amount of people you'll see on the streets most days.It is situated within the South Waikato District, as are the towns of Putaruru...
iandsmith Says: Any Australasians will know what was happening to rural communities in the 1980's. They were disappearing faster than chocolate at a kid's birthday party.Tirau was no exception. The B.N.Z. Bank branch had closed down, as had the local butcher, baker, chemist and Rose Bros...
iandsmith Says: I loved the sign on this window and pondered if it may have been a Kiwi solution to worrisome children or in-laws.........perhaps not.Early Maori spoke of Tirau as a wonderful place to catch the Kereu or native pigeons.The birds used the many Cabbage trees in the area as...
1 Review Poppys (sic) Cafe in Tirau bakes it's own cakes and scones. There are delicious quiches and pies. The coffee is great and the prices what one would expect. Service can be a little slow and you might have to get up to get your own sugar!
1 Review Approaching Tirau from the south, you will see a big castle on a hill. Of course we don't have castles in New Zealand and this one is actually a cafe where you can stop for a cup of coffee and something to eat. Being a castle freak, I was intrigued enough to go up and have a look, but I didn't stop...
1 Review This may not be a shop for travellers, but it could be. Especially if you are looking for some cuisine from home. There is a very interesting array of wine here and lots of other goodies to go with it, both from New Zealand and overseas. Almost a delicatessen. I spent a lot of time just looking and...
The Christmas Heirloom Company
1 Review The Christmas Heirloom Company sells Christmas decorations all year round. They have the most incredible selection of trees and themed decorations - some traditional stuff, and more quirky ideas too. I saw a tree decorated with surfing santas and penguines wearing shades! Lots of glitter, sparkle...
alley cats café: Stop for coffee and take a break from shopping.
kiwi Says: Not entirely obvious from the street, this very nice café can be found out the back of a busy, cluttered, lovely knick knack shop.You can sit either outside or inside, and take coffee and cake.See the travelogue for more pics. And in front, beside the street is a gift shop...
Soft merino wool and possum fur
allikat Says: Just along from the tourist info office which is built as a corrugated dog is the main souvenir and gift shop, built this time as a corrugated sheep! They seem to specialise in merino wool and possum fur items. Merino wool is very soft, luxurious and hard to resist. Quite...
Tirau Shell and Jade Co.: Greenstone at great prices!
allikat Says: This is probably the best shop I've seen in New Zealand for greenstone jewellery, with a very extensive selection and good prices.Also known as jade, or by the Maori name of Pounamu, greenstone jewellery is worn with pride by New Zealanders and is often carved into symbolic...
kiwi Says: There is no bank branch in Tirau. However at the Caltex petrol station, right in the middle of town, there is a money machine.
The Blue Spring and Te Waihou Walkway
allikat Says: Te Waihou River Walkway is a short drive from Tirau and well worth seeing. If you don't fancy much of a walk, park your car in the car park at the Blue Spring end of the walk, and see the beautiful Blue Spring pool ~ the photo here is an accurate representation of the...
Another great NZ tourist info office!
allikat Says: I have to say, New Zealand really does have some of the best tourist information offices I've come across, and the one at Tirau is no exception. They seem to make an extra effort over here.The one at Tirau, apart from being built as a giant corrugated dog which of course...
allikat Says: Tirau caters beautifully for the tourist without ripping the tourist off. There are plenty of cute boutiquey type gift shops, cafes and coffee shops, and of course, in true Tirau style, they advertise their wares with some really original signs made from corrugated...
Plan a Tirau vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Tirau locals
There is no bank branch in Tirau. However at the Caltex petrol station, right in the middle of town, there is a money machine.
2 members live in Tirau
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1
Stop at Tirau ~ don't just drive through!
Tirau is a small town, which you will come across if you make the drive from Auckland to Rotorua (or Rotorua to Auckland, for that matter!). Although it's only a small town, you will know it when you...
2
Tirau, on the way to Rotorua and Taupo.
Tirau is a very interesting small town that services the traffic passing through. Located on State Highway 1 where it also converges with St Hwy 5 & Prov St Hwy 27, it has a lot of vehicles passing......
3
Tirau - a small town with a lot of antiques shops!
Tirau is one of those small New Zealand provincial towns that exist primarily to serve the local agricultural community. However, many, including Tirau, try hard to capture the interest (and dollars)...
4
What corrugated iron can do for your town
For all the fuss and hullabuloo about Tirau, there's not a lot of it. Having said that, it's still worth a stop and you can easily wile away a few hours if you chance your arm in some of the art and...
5
Tirau - almost in the middle of nowhere
En route to Rotorua from Auckland (a bit over halfway), we happened across the little town of Tirau, population only 600. It was right on the highway and we decided it was worth stopping for, for a...
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