Mist and rainbows play among the mountain's lofty peaks. Pirongia Tourism Association
Neighbouingr Mt Maungatautari, viewed from Pirongia.

Here in the Waikato there are many "must-dos" within an easy drive if you are staying in the Pirongia area.

For example all of these magic spots are less than 1 hour's drive from Pirongia and they radiate in all directions with Pirongia beautifully centrally located to easily reach them all:

  • Raglan. The beautiful surf beaches of Raglan being enjoyed here on horseback are 50km north west,- a 45 minute drive. Look at the swimmers enjoying the surf during this beautiful Raglan sunset.
  • Kawhia is highly historic as the landing place of the Tainui waka in the early Maori migration to NZ. It also has stunning surf beaches and great fishing in the harbour. Kawhia is being viewed here from high on the slopes of our mountain. It is 50km south west, - a 45 minute drive.
  • The wonderland of the Waitomo Caves are just 40km south, - a 35 minute drive from Pirongia. Stalactites, stalacmites, underground lakes and a zillion glow-worms like a starry sky at night.
  • The Kiwi house in the "Kiwiana town" of Otorohanga 30km south - a 25 mins drive. Come face to beak with the national icon.
  • The amazing Maungatautari Ecological Island is a must-see for keen conservationists and an example to the entire world of what a few dedicated people can achieve to protect endangered species of flora and fauna, including this curious kaka photographed by Heather-anne Lang at Maungatautari. This is 38km east - a 35 minute drive from Pirongia and can easily be seen from the lower slopes of our own mountain.
  • Though Te-Awamutu is known as "Rosetown" for its magnificent displays of roses, it is also very beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom the length of the main street. It is the birth place of the Finn brothers of Split Enz and Crowded House fame.The Te-Awamutu Aquatic Centre is always a hit in any weather and include saunas and spa pools for the adults to soak away the aches and pains while the kids play on the hydro-slides. It is 13km east - a 10 minute drive away. Landscape and garden enthusiasts might also enjoy a family picnic among the imaginative stonework and landscaping at the Te-Awamutu War Memorial Gardens.
  • Hamilton - miles of riverside walks beside the mighty Waikato river, also riverside rose gardens and the breathtaking Paradise Garden Collection for gardening and landscaping enthusiasts. Great shopping and a cafe culture where you will never be able to make up your mind which cafe to choose. Hamilton is 26 km north east - a 25 mins drive. NZ's 4th largest city with population of over 120,000 currently home to the V8 400 racing circuit.
  • Mystery Creek 20km north east, - a 20 minute drive. It is home-base to the Annual Field-days - The largest agricultural show in the world.
  • Cambridge: 35 km north east - "Town of Trees" - a 30 minute drive. Cambridge is close to beautiful Lake Karapiro, home of the next World Rowing champs and a great spot for kayaking and boating.
  • Matamata: 75 km east, - a 50 minute drive. Home of the Hobbiton movie set


Sunset on the beach at Raglan
To see the complete picture, click the Raglan sunset link above.