Activities and Links

Piopio is a small village of roughly 500 people. It is a rural service town and most of its shops reflect this. There is a cafe, small super-market and a Cosmopoliton Club that serves good country meals for those wanting a meal. There is a small museum in the center of town and an information center has recently opened up. A comprehensive, if slightly unorganised, website detailing everything you could possibly want to know about our town and a few things you probably didn't can be found here.

The greatest attractions in our district are easily the surrounding countryside. Popular sights include the Waitanguru and Marakopa Falls, the Mangapohue Natural Bridge and the black sand beaches at Marakopa and Kiritehere. A little further afield are the beaches of Kawhia and if traveling south along SH3, Mokau and the Waikawau tunnel. Just getting off the beaten path and losing yourself along any of our country roads will reward you with great scenery and a sense of isolation.


Mangapohue Natural Bridge	Waitanguru Falls

Marakopa Falls	Marakopa Black Sand Beach

The world famous Waitomo Caves are the main reason most people head in this direction and are a must see for any traveler. Te Kuiti, the closest large town, has undergone a face lift in recent years greatly improving its main street. It is the self proclaimed shearing capital of the world and home to legendary All Black Colin Meads. Otorohanga is 15 minutes north of Te Kuiti and celebrates our heritage with various "Kiwiana" displays along its main street.


Te Kuiti Shearing Statue	Otorohanga Kiwiana

Piopio itself is centrally located and within two hours you can be in New Plymouth, Hamilton or Taupo Instead of taking the main road to New Plymouth venture along the Forgotten World Highway. Visit the heart of the King Country at Taumarunui, a historically important cultural and industrial center. Or take in the stunning National Park and its three mountains for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

ACTIVITIES:

Piopio/Aria Golf Course	Course is continually being developed. Sheep grazing to maintain fairways, fenced greens. Warm welcome.	Green Fees $15, $7 with Guide	Ph: 07 877 8195 Email: piopioaria@golf.co.nz

Fishing	Fish for trout at one of our many local streams	Free (with license)	More information can be found here.

Hunting	Plenty of wild pigs and deer can be found by people with the requisite skills in our remoter bush areas	Free (with license)	More information can be found here.

Gardens	There are many well kept, beautiful gardens in Piopio.	Costs Vary	We can provide a list of open gardens within the area

Tennis	Recently resurfaced and with off-street parking.		Ph 07 8788834 President Matt Buckley

Swimming	The 25 meter swimming pool at the school grounds is available for public use after school and in the weekends.

Museum	Established in 1984 to preserve an existing blacksmith's shop complete with all associated tools and equipment. Includes a large collection of early photographs of district.	Entry By Donation	Key available in village between 8am-5pm

Walks	Numerous overnight tramps and day walks are within easy access of our farmstay. These include the Mangaotaki Scenic Reserve, Mapara Wildlife Management Reserve, Leitches Clearing, Waitangaru Falls, Omaru Falls and the Mairoa reservation native tree & fern bush track.

Kayaking	The Mokau River is rated among the top ten whitewater trips in the North Island. The put in is the base of Waiere Falls in rugged country below Aria. The downhill run includes several sharp drops of around 2 meters and is mainly Grade 3 through to the take out at Totoro Gorge bridge.

Organised Tours

Waitomo Adventures
Discover Waitomo
Otorohanga Kiwi House
Mokau River Tours
Hunting
Horse Rides / Hiking Trails and other Local Attractions