Discover Te Kauwhata

Te Kauwhata lies on the shore of Lake Waikare, with the Whangamarino Wetlands just north of the town. Nature by the lake and in the wetlands meets a calendar of events with specific dates. This lets you plan your stay around the landscape and nature, or around a particular event.

Lake, wetlands and activities

Lake Waikare, the second-largest shallow lake on New Zealand’s North Island, feeds the Whangamarino Wetlands. These form the island’s second-largest peat bog and swamp complex and have been a Ramsar site since 1989. The lake and wetlands give the surrounding area a strong connection to nature, without requiring an extensive activity programme.

The Waikare Golf Club in Te Kauwhata has an 18-hole course. If golf is part of your travel plans, check the latest course details, as information may change.

Local events and shared experiences

The Te Kauwhata Locals Market takes place on the last Saturday of every month from 12 to 4 pm at St Andrews Church Hall on Scott Road. The Te Kauwhata A&P Show is scheduled annually for the second Saturday in December. The Te Kauwhata Christmas Parade also takes place in December, on a Friday evening along the town’s main street.

There are several events for families with an explicitly family-focused character. The free Splash’n Dash for Children’s Day takes place on the first Sunday in March from 10 am to 2 pm at the Domain. SKATEfest is a free family event for skateboarders and scooter riders of all ages, as well as their whānau; it is held at the Village Green skatepark.

Unity Hoops is also a free family event: the street basketball format at the Village Green half court includes art, music and basketball games for all ages and abilities. Unity Hoops is listed as an annual event; dates may change.

The annual Te Kauwhata community photography competition is open to photographers of all ages and experience levels, including children, teenagers and adults. On 25 April, Te Kauwhata Community Events holds a dawn commemorative service and a civic ceremony at the Te Kauwhata War Memorial. Check the specific event dates and schedules before travelling.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

BUSIT! operates a bus route from Hamilton via Te Kauwhata and Meremere to Pukekohe. As route information may change, check the current timetable before travelling.

Then check the location of each accommodation option against your plans, without assuming that local amenities reflect features of individual properties.

In the wider Waikato District destination

In the wider Waikato District destination, the Whangamarino Wetland is accessible by car via Falls Road from Te Kauwhata or via Island Block Road near Meremere. Road conditions and access arrangements may change; check them before travelling.

The Te Awa River Ride is a 65-kilometre paved path for cycling and walking. It follows the Waikato River from Ngaruawahia to Lake Karapiro. The 18-kilometre Piipiiwharauroa Trail runs through the Te Uku Wind Farm. The return trip is estimated to take about four hours on foot or about two hours by bike; access and wind farm operations may vary.

Another perspective on the Waikato District is offered by the Hakarimata Summit Track: it climbs to an elevation of 374 metres, and from the viewing tower the views extend to the coast, across the Waikato Basin and towards Ruapehu.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Te Kowhai, Taupiri, Huntly, Raglan, Miranda, Te Akau, Newstead, Tamahere.

Back to the main travel overview: Waikato District.