Putaruru: Mosaic Art and Regional Discoveries

Putaruru brings together striking mosaic art and stories that reveal the town and its surroundings in different ways. At Putāruru Waterpark, the blue tones echo the colours of the Te Waihou Spring. The Mosaic Art Project, in turn, was created with a specific purpose for the town: to encourage pedestrian traffic, connecting the two business districts separated by railway tracks. Together, these features offer an interesting introduction to Putaruru—through design on the one hand, and the town’s layout on the other.

Mosaics and Local Highlights

Putāruru Waterpark was officially opened on 20 April 2002. Its features include two large mosaics; the park’s blue tones echo the colours of the Te Waihou Spring. The Mosaic Art Project began earlier, in February 1998. By connecting the two business districts, it gives the art project a distinct connection to town life: railway lines separate the districts, while the project was intended to encourage pedestrian traffic between them. The two dates belong to different stories and help distinguish their respective focuses.

Cheesemaking is also part of Putaruru’s local character. Over the Moon Dairy produces New Zealand’s widest range of specialty cheeses there, using locally sourced goat, cow, sheep, and buffalo milk. This is another facet of the town alongside its art: here, the focus is on a specific product and the variety of milk used.

A Different Focus: Guided Tours

Sanctuary Mountain – Maungatautari offers a different kind of experience from the mosaics in Putaruru. The destination is 26 km from Putaruru and offers guided tours during the day and at night. This choice of times may make a difference to your plans: you can plan around a guided tour or focus on the town’s art. The tours are a separate excursion outside Putaruru.

More to Explore in the South Waikato District

In the wider South Waikato District, the NZ Timber Museum complements the local art with a look at industrial history. The museum is just south of Putāruru on State Highway 1 and is dedicated to the history of New Zealand’s timber industry. It was established in 1927 to celebrate, document, and preserve this history, particularly in the South Waikato District. This historical subject sits alongside the local connection of the mosaics.

In the centre of Tokoroa is the Talking Poles, a collection of carved poles. They represent Tokoroa’s different cultures, clubs, and organisations and were created for locals and visitors. The Arapuni Suspension Bridge can also be located geographically: it is on the Waikato River downstream from Arapuni Power Station. Lake Moananui has a different story of its creation: Lake Moananui surrounds an artificial lake built by the Matamata County Council in 1974/75.

For help getting around the district, the Tīrau Information Centre is on State Highway 1, at the northern edge of Tīrau. It has ample parking. As facilities can change, you can confirm the current situation before visiting.

Putaruru as a Starting Point for Your Hotel Search

If you’re looking for a hotel in Putaruru, first consider which themes matter most to your stay: the mosaics and Mosaic Art Project in town, the guided tours at Sanctuary Mountain, 26 km away, or other destinations in the South Waikato District. For a broader stay, factor in the location of each destination when planning rather than treating them as if they were all in one place.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Okoroire, Tirau, Tokoroa, Piarere.

Back to the broader travel guide: South Waikato District.