Tuakau can be explored during a stay through two specific themes: parks with a range of play and exercise facilities, and the town’s history on the Waikato River. The parks differ in the equipment on offer; some also have seating or nearby toilets. This gives you options to weigh up when planning, from play equipment to skateboarding and basketball facilities, as well as a possible museum visit. Tuakau was founded in 1840 near the banks of the Waikato River.
Parks with different facilities
Centennial Park has swings, a slide, a climbing unit and a glider, as well as seating. Dr John Lightbody Reserve combines play equipment with a skatepark and a basketball hoop. It also has seating and nearby toilets. If you want to include skateboarding or basketball facilities in your selection, this is a clear point of difference from Centennial Park.
Les Batkin Reserve has swings, a climbing unit and a slide, as well as seating and nearby toilets. Martindale Reserve also has swings, a climbing unit and a slide, plus a small merry-go-round; it also has seating. The merry-go-round is the key difference when choosing between these two parks; both have swings, a climbing unit and a slide.
Local history and museum
Tuakau’s founding in 1840 near the banks of the Waikato River provides a specific point of historical interest. The Tuakau Museum is another place to visit in town. Visits are available on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 12 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 3:30 pm; visits by arrangement are also possible. Opening hours may change, so check that the visiting hours are current before you travel.
Plan your journey
Tuakau is near the Waikato Expressway, a major four-lane state highway linking Auckland with Hamilton and towns further south. BUSIT! bus timetables are available for the Hamilton–Te Kauwhata–Meremere–Pukekohe route. Check the current timetable before travelling by bus, as journey times may change. The road connection and bus route offer different points of reference for planning your journey.
In the wider destination of Waikato District
In the wider destination of Waikato District, the Te Awa River Ride offers another way to cycle and walk: the 65-kilometre concrete path runs alongside the Waikato River from Ngaruawahia to Lake Karapiro. Another route is the 18-kilometre Piipiiwharauroa Trail, which crosses the Te Uku Wind Farm site. The return trip takes about four hours on foot or about two hours by bicycle. Access conditions and wind farm operations may vary; check before setting out. For a view, the Hakarimata Summit Track climbs to an elevation of 374 metres. From the viewing tower, the view reaches the coast, across the Waikato Basin and towards Ruapehu.
Discover more destinations: Mangere, Dairy Flat, Waimauku, Pohuehue, Leigh, Whangaparaoa, Wellsford, Drury
For the wider travel overview: Auckland.
