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A beautiful trail along the amazingly blue waters of the Waihou River.


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Map Key

3.1

Miles

4.9

KM

Point to Point

454' 138 m

High

373' 114 m

Low

172' 52 m

Up

110' 34 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Accessible from either end, this flat, easy path along the crystal-clear waters of the river will certainly be memorable for the entire family.

No swimming or wading in the river or Blue Spring.

Description

The Te Waihou Walkway is a lovely hike along the incredible blue waters of the Waihou River. The hiking is mostly flat and easy with only a few gates and stiles to navigate along the way. The trail winds through pastures, across wetlands, and through native bush, following along the river the entire way.

The waters of the Waihou River are a stunning, crystal clear blue. The water of this entirely spring-fed river flows from Blue Spring (Te Puna). The clarity of the water and the shocking color is further accentuated by the vibrant green vegetation growing in the river and the verdant landscape that surrounds the river valley.

The river has an important historical significance as well, as the second Maori King of New Zealand used the river as a main thoroughfare for transport and trade. Several informational plaques along the route highlight this history. The spring is now designated as a natural taonga (treasure) overseen by the local Iwi tribe.

For more information, visit the South Waikato District Council's website.

Flora & Fauna

Many, many pukeko are in the fields and in the marshy areas around the river. A variety of other birds like wild turkeys, tuī, wood pigeons, and wrens can be seen.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen McGlynn

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#1

in Putaruru

#7775

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
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Trail Rankings

#1

in Putaruru

#78

in New Zealand

#7,775

Overall
6 Views Last Month
523 Since May 29, 2017
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Photos

A nice rest stop along the Te Waihou Walkway
Sep 18, 2017 near Tokoroa, NZ
The green hills and blue waters of the Waihou River.
Sep 18, 2017 near Tokoroa, NZ
The blue waters of the Waihou River.
Sep 18, 2017 near Tokoroa, NZ

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Feb 1, 2020
Simon Riley
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