Te Kuiti is a town of about four thousand people in the Waikato region of the North Island. It’s about an hour’s drive south of Hamilton.
Te Kuiti calls itself the sheep-shearing capital of the world, and hosts the National Shearing Championships. It’s also home to a seven metre statue of a shearer.
Te Kuiti is the nearest town to Waitomo and its famous glow-worm caves. After exploring the cave system, you can also go abseiling and rock-climbing.
Te Kuiti is home to the Tatsuno Japanese Garden, a tranquil setting right in the middle of town.
Te Kuiti is proud of its Maori heritage. At the Pa Harakeke Eco Cultural Centre you can experience Maori culture, learn about history and legends, and plant your own tree. You can also visit the Te Tokanganui-A-Noho meeting house, gifted by Te Kooti, a famous Maori chief.
Just north of Te Kuiti you’ll find the Mangeokewa Reserve, popular for fishing, rock-climbing and swimming.
