Things to See & Do

Attractions in and around Piopio include:

The world famous Waitomo Caves are only 35min drive away by main road or take the scenic route. On our doorstep are several, beautiful bush walks and tramping ranging from short/easy to overnight, scenic drives and waterfalls, power station, golf, Pioneering Museum with blacksmith shop, trout fishing, Mapara Wildlife DOC Reserve and handcrafted Pottery studio.
Piopio is named after New Zealand’s, now extinct, native Thrush renowned for it’s beautiful song.

Piopio - What's in a name?

Piopionz.com - an interesting website maintained by one of Piopio's locals with information about the town and area.

Mangaotaki Scenic Reserve – Situated across Mangaotaki River bridge, 8 km from Piopio. Picturesque native bush with backdrop of limestone bluffs. Car park, easy walk (20 min), fine specimen trees, picnic tables.

Waitungaru Falls - Set in scenic reserve: medium/ steep walk (5 mins) to view attractive falls, surrounded in native foliage. Picnic table at roadside.

Omaru Falls - Well marked track leads through native bush and farmland to look out over spectacular falls, the river crashing into the gorge below, (20 mins each way), easy grade. See photograph here.

District museum – Pioneering artifacts, blacksmith shop, early photograph collection. Ruru Street , Piopio. Further information can be found here.

Wairere Falls and Power Station – Spectacular after heavy rain. Read brief overview and see a few photographs here.

Mapara Wildlife Management Reserve - Home of North Island Kokako, one of New Zealands most ancient and endangered birds. You can find more information at the Department of Conservation website here.

Golf – The Piopio/Aria 18 hole Golf Course, fairways grazed. Set in attractive farmland. Great hospitality, visitors very welcome.
Green Fees $15, $7 with Guide
Main Road North
PO Box 48, PIOPIO
Ph: 07 877 8195;
piopioaria@golf.co.nz

Trout Fishing – Good fishing for Rainbow Trout in the Mangaohae, Mangaotaki, Mokau and Awakino Rivers.
nzfishing.com is the complete guide to New Zealand trout and fly fishing with everything you need to plan a New Zealand fly fishing trip or vacation.

Piopio

Scenic drives:

 

Piopio – Waitanguru – Mairoa.
Features: Mangaotaki Valley , Waitanguru Falls , unique limestone formations, Mangaohae Valley. picturesque country, panoramic views. (1 ½ hrs)

Piopio – Aria – Mahoenui.
Features: Easy rolling farmland, Wairere Falls , limestone outcrops, Mahoenui Valley with steep razor-back ridges, panoramic views. Paemako Reserve. (50 mins)

Piopio – Aria – Mokauiti – Omaru Falls.
Features: Aria, Mokauiti Valley, rhyolite bluffs, Omaru Falls, Frederick Miller Mission site, interesting scenery. (2 hrs)

Note: Some roads are unsealed.