Where is te awamutu

Nestled in the background is Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari , where ancient native forest and fauna can be found in New Zealand's only inland ecological island. More recent heritage is also on record with regularly changing displays.

Te Awamutu also boasts some great shopping options, with boutique clothing stores, antiques and more on offer. Te Awamutu cafes and bakeries are ideal for a lazy lunch such as the award-winning Viands Bakery in the street of Kihikihi. The summer farmer's markets provide the perfect opportunity to sample some of the locally grown produce and you can pick your own berries straight from the bush at one of the Blueberry farms from November to March.

Open to the public from December to February on weekends only, the best time to visit the lavender farm is from early November, when the flowers are in bloom. People come from all over the world during this time to take in some of the prettiest views in the Waikato. Walks around the lavender fields can be arranged, and tours give you the opportunity to learn about how the farm operates - from planting and harvesting to processing and product creation.

Lavender products, made on the farm, are available to purchase from the gift shop. The township is located beneath the beautiful Mt Pirongia, and boasts a range of great activities and attractions. Read more about things to do in Pirongia.

Eat and Drink. To and From. The rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2. Between November and April, it's time to stop and smell the roses in Te Awamutu. This rural town has the ideal climate for fabulous blooms. During the blooming season, November to April, the garden next to the visitor centre is a technicolour dream as rose bushes turn on the charm.

Te Awamutu also has an excellent museum, with a large collection of Maori treasures and stories from the Waikato land wars. A number of great walking tracks are on offer in and around Te Awamutu. Head south-east to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and explore this inland island reserve which features a 16 metre high forest canopy viewing tower, a year old rata tree and flourishing native bird species.

Or head west to Pirongia , another beautiful reserve with ample hiking opportunities or stroll around Lake Ngaroto, a wetland area with ample bird watching opportunities.