Morrinsville: Local History, Art and Cow Sculptures

History and a distinctive cow motif define Morrinsville: a significant landmark stands on the main street, while an installation of life-sized cow sculptures is spread across the town. There is also contemporary art and a market selling food and crafts. This mix gives you several specific points of interest to consider when planning your trip and looking for accommodation—from history and art to a distinctive town motif.

History in the Townscape

The Nottingham Castle Hotel is a significant landmark on Morrinsville’s main street. It is also one of the historic buildings on the Morrinsville Heritage Trail.

The Morrinsville Museum features permanent exhibitions on important moments in the town’s history and offers 30-minute tours of the main exhibitions, as well as McDonald Cottage and Mana Whenua. The duration gives this activity a clear time frame. Check the current booking requirements for the tours before your visit.

Built in 1873, McDonald Cottage was moved to its current location and is part of the Morrinsville Heritage Centre. The Centre tells the story of the development of Morrinsville and the district; the cottage adds a specific historic building to this perspective.

Art and Cow Sculptures

Morrinsville Art Gallery, a free contemporary art gallery, is located at 167 Thames Street. Check the admission information again before your trip, as details may change.

The “Herd of Cows?” street art installation features fibreglass cows throughout the town centre, including “Mabel the Mega Cow” on the southern edge of town. The installation consists of 60 life-sized cow sculptures spread across Morrinsville. This unusual motif contrasts sharply with the historic buildings and exhibitions.

Market and Regional Perspective

The Morrinsville Country Market offers fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, preserves, baked goods, meals and crafts. The selection can vary depending on the stallholders. The market therefore offers another glimpse of what’s available locally, without its range being limited to a fixed set of products.

Looking at the Matamata-Piako District broadens the focus beyond the town. The Matamata-Piako District Heritage Trail connects Matamata, Te Aroha and Morrinsville and takes visitors to historically significant places. It links the histories of several towns.

The Matamata-Piako District also offers nature and outdoor activities: Te Miro Mountain Bike Park has more than 27 kilometres of hand-built trails through native bush, pine forest and rolling farmland. Temporary trail conditions can change, so check them if you plan to visit the park.

Other historic sites in the region include the Piako County Tramway in Waiorongomai Valley, New Zealand’s oldest bush tramway, where the original rails are preserved. Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth as a lookout tower over the surrounding landscape.

Consider whether your trip plans will focus mainly on local history and art, or more on regional heritage and outdoor activities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Matamata, Te Poi, Te Aroha West, Te Aroha.

Go to the main travel overview: Matamata-Piako District.