Te Kuiti is a friendly town with a proud agricultural heritage. Set in the heart of King Country, it’s known as the “Shearing Capital of the World” and produces some of the softest wool in New Zealand. Native forests, glowworm-lit caves and cascading waterfalls surround Te Kuiti and make the town an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things to do in Te Kuiti
Snap a photo with the enormous shearer statue that towers over Te Kuiti’s main street. The six-metre-tall statue celebrates the town’s sheep farming heritage and pays tribute to local shearing legends like David Fagan. In front of the railway station is a statue of Sir Colin Meads, an All Blacks champion born in Te Kuiti.
Visit Waitomo Caves and discover a subterranean wonderland of glowworm-lit grottoes. Guided tours take you into the enchanting caves, which are lit with thousands of the twinkling insects. Explore the caves on foot or glide along the underground rivers in a boat. Adrenaline-fuelled black water rafting experiences will get your pulse racing.
Rent a mountain bike and cycle along the famous Timber Trail. The track takes you deep into Pureora, an ancient forest characterised by towering native totara, kahikatea, rimu, miro and matai trees. Pedal across gravity-defying suspension bridges and stop to explore abandoned timber-milling sites and bush tramways.
Relax and enjoy a moment of reflection in Tatsuno Japanese Garden. The beautiful green space celebrates the relationship between Te Kuiti and its sister town of Tatsuno in Japan. Admire the impressive Torii gate, visit the “azumaya” tea house and identify a variety of New Zealand and Japanese plants, including flowering cherries, maples, bamboo and camellias.
Enjoy a scenic bushwalk in Mangaokewa Reserve. Trails wind through the park, which protects native podocarp, nikau and tawa forests. As you explore the park, you’ll discover rugged limestone bluffs, cascading waterfalls and secret swimming spots.
Getting there
Te Kuiti is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in King County, a one-hour drive from Hamilton. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Auckland Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.