TRIP 16 Cambridge to Rotorua
From vast forest to a landscape bathed in lakes, this is a road that leads to exceptional natural beauty.
TRIP 16
a journey through
Tirau
162 | M U S T D O ’ S • CE N TRA L N ORTH IS LA N D
SIDE TRIP
L
eaving Cambridge, heading east, you go along a very picturesque section of SH 1 to Tīrau, following the ribbon of Waikato River part way. Enjoy the quirky delights of Tīrau, famously touted as the world’s corrugated iron capital. Lining the main road are unconventional buildings. Inside a huge corrugated iron sheep dog is the town’s i-SITE Visitor Centre and nearby an enormous sheep is home to a wool and craft shop. Pick up a selection of home-made fudge, ice cream and local honey. Browse the handful of galleries and boutique clothing and homeware stores lining the main street before continuing on, through forestry, to Rotorua via SH 5.
SIDE TRIP
Cambridge to Tīrau via Thermal Explorer Hwy 25min, 32.3km
Piarere to Matamata via SH 29 16min, 19km
Piarere to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari via Oreipunga Rd & Arapuni Rd 31min, 29km Tīrau to Rotorua via SH 5 42min, 52km
LEFT: Hobbiton movie set © Adobe Stock
