Discover Waitomo, Otorohanga & Kawhia attractions in New Zealand’s ‘King Country’

While you’re at Kamahi Cottage take time to explore some of the historic and beautiful King Country region we call home.

It’s an area of rich farmland and rolling hills, limestone caverns, black sand beaches, unique tourist activities and friendly rural towns.

What you’ll see on this full day out:

[ Tip: Fill your vehicle with fuel before you leave Otorohanga ]

Leave Kamahi Cottage and drive to Otorohanga (14 km).

If you have children, take them to the Jim Barker Memorial Playground at the south end of Otorohanga. Then it’s on to discover all things ‘Kiwiana’ on the main street  Ed Hillary Walkway.

Drive a few minutes to the Otorohanga Kiwi House. They have NZ’s largest collection of native birds and reptiles. It’s also the best place to see kiwi – those elusive, rare and iconic NZ birds.

Leave Otorohanga on State Highway 39/31 for Kawhia on the beautiful West Coast. Stop at the scenic pull-off area at Oparau for your first glimpse of the stunning Kawhia Harbour.

Before you reach  Kawhia village turn into Ocean Beach Road and drive through the forest to the small car park at the end. Walk over the dunes and along the beach to Te Puia Springs, where you can dig a hot pool on the beach 2 hours before and after low tide.

In Kawhia check out the Kawhia Museum and the beautiful foreshore and harbour.

Leave Kawhia and wind your way inland to the crossroads at Te Anga. The drive is through scenic farmland and along  harbour inlets at Te Maika south of Kawhia.

At the Te Anga crossroads take the road towards Waitomo Village (State Highway 37).

In a few minutes you’ll pass the access to the spectacular Marokopa Falls. There’s a well-defined pull off area for parking on the right. It’s an easy 10-minute walk through native forest to the 35-metre high waterfall.

5-6 minutes’ drive past the Marokopa Falls, there’s access on the left to the Mangapohue Natural Bridge.  It’s another stunning free attraction.

Waitomo Village is home to several world-famous glowworm caves and Black Water Rafting experiences like Waitomo Adventures, Spellbound and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Leave Waitomo Village and turn left onto State Highway 3 towards Otorohanga.

Then make your way ‘home’ to relax or have dinner at Kamahi Cottage.

Explore the magic of the King Country with its  hills, limestone outcrops, forest trails and  black sand beaches.

There’s something for everyone,  from 10 minute walks to 7 hour hikes.