| 29th - 31st January 2010 New Zealand Speedway Champs at Kihikihi
April 16-18 Hamilton 400 V8's Street Race June 16-19 National Fieldays at Mystery Creek |
About Te Awamutu, Waikato Region, New Zealand
Te Awamutu is known as the “Rosetown” - a friendly and pretty town with famous Rose Gardens (Gorst Ave) which are a kaleideoscope of colour from November through to April, there are more than 2500 rose bushes, with more than 50 varieties of rose.
Annual Events
- Rosetown Festival held annually in November celebrates the time of the roses and includes Craft Fairs, Exhibitions, Art & Craft Studios.
- Food & Wine Festival held in March
- Te Awamutu Competitions held annually in September attracts young talent who compete in singing, dancing and instrumental
Parks/Facilities
- Rose Gardens as above
- Memorial Park - short walk from Rose Gardens. A district memorial for those who served in the 1939-45 wars, features playground areas, stone wall mural, a rose-covered pergola, a weeping fountain, duckpond, picnic & recreation areas, gardens & walks
- Centennial Reserve (Rewi St) - includes walkways, BMX track,(several competitions held here), skateboard bowl
- KTAB Sculpture Park: the 'Keep Te Awamutu Beautiful' society has created amazing sculptures which include 'The Gate', 'The Nurturing', 'Controversial' and 'Sounds' - an interactive music sculpture with instruments for all to play
- Events Centre - superb indoor facility for basketball, netball, concerts, exhibitions etc. Several televised NBL (National Basketball League) games were hosted here.
- The Woolshed Theatre and Little Theatre - local productions including musicals, theatre and dance held throughout the year
- Livingstone Aquatics - indoor pool, hydroslide, swim school, fitness centre
Heritage
- Walking tours of sites of local history
- Te Awamutu Museum - considered to be one of the best smaller community museums in the country with over 7000 objects in its collection.
- See the True Colours exhibition - tells the story of Te Awamutu’s own Tim and Neil Finn and their rise to fame in the bands Split Enz and Crowded House. Self drive tour souvenir brochures available also
Outdoors enthusiasts enjoy the nearby Pirongia Forest Park, Yarndley's Bush, Lake Ngaroto and Mount Kakepuku - all within 20 minutes of Te Awamutu.
- Yarndleys Bush - one of the largest Kahikatea stands in the North Island. An easy 30 min boardwalk.
- Lake Ngaroto - 90 min flat walk around the lake. Ideal area for kayaking, yachting and rowing. Playground and BBQ area
- Mt Kakepuku - a steady climb - 449m high summit with great views. 3 hours return. A mountain bike track also traverses around the mountain on old farm tracks.
- Mt Maungatautari -(Ecological Island Reserve) Completely pest proof fenced and threatened species being reintroduced to the mountain i.e North Island brown kiwi, tuatara and takahe. 2 main access points - 2 hour walk.
- Mt Pirongia - Picnicking, camping, hunting and fishing along with numerous walks for trampers and bush walkers.
Adventure
- CastleRock Adventure at Wharepapa South. Professionally guided rockclimbing, abseiling, flying fox, offroad mountain biking.
- Waitomo Caves - underground exploration, glowworms, blackwater rafting.
- All about 35 mins drive
Gardens / Venues (all within 15 min drive)
- Rosenvale Garden - relaxing tranquil surroundings in 1 acre of lush private gardens. Very popular as a Wedding Venue.
- Judge Valley Vineyard - unique vineyard producing premium Bordeaux style red wine established in 1997. Superb Wedding venue with stunning views over the vineyard and surrounding valley. Cellar door sales available.
- Mystery Creek Wines - award winning winery offering a range of wines
- Vilagrad Vineyard & Winery - specialising in fine wine, food & entertainment. Popular Wedding Venue. Harvest Festival in April & May, Tours and Tastings
Other
- Pirongia Clydesdales - Clydesdale horses, wagon ride trips, an interesting carriagehorse venue.
- Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park
- Mystery Creek - site of internationally renowned National Fielddays held each year in June, international Netball, Rally of New Zealand Headquarters, Davis Cup Tennis
- Hamilton City - home of the V8 Supercars from 2008
Fishing / Surfing
- The quirky West Coast beach town of Raglan is known throughout the international surfing community for its amazing left hand break. As a result, the local township is laid back, crafty and well furnished with good eating places.
- Fish in the surf or off the wharf at Raglan or Kawhia - just 30 -35 mins drive away. Fantastic coastal views to be seen
- Trout fishing - several spots nearby include Arapuni, Whakamaru, Maraetai, all within an hours drive
Crafts
Nearby (15 mins drive) Pirongia, Ohaupo and Kaipaki all offer a range of art and craft products. A few are below
- Pirongia Art Exhibition & Craft Market held annually in September
- Pirongia Art & Craft Shop & Gallery - monthly exhibiting artists, great gift selection
- Ohaupo - Clock World and Café; The Tree House - wonderful crafts and gift selection
- Kaipaki - The Olde Creamery Café - incorporating Simply Elegant Flowers Florist shop along with art, crafts, gifts and a wonderful café in a relaxed garden setting. The Lily Pad & Cafe - outdoor art & garden studio and cafe
ROSETOWN Motel • 844 Kihikihi Rd • Te Awamutu • New Zealand
Reservations Freephone: 0800 767 386 • Phone: +64 7 871 5779 • Fax: +64 7 871 6800
Email: rosetownmotel@paradise.net.nz
