Hauraki Inc. We’re creating a place where talent wants to live!
The Hauraki District Council's vision is for a District that encourages vibrant communities, provides a great lifestyle and fosters a positive climate for balanced, sustainable development.
Hauraki has much to offer families
With a lower cost of living and excellent climate, families can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including Fishing
- Hunting
- Tramping
- Cycling on the new Hauraki Rail Trail
- Sports
Our schools are of an excellent standard. Also, we don’t have any traffic jams!
Dramatic scenery and rural tranquility, arts, crafts, cafés and restaurants, wineries, history and heritage, and excellent sports facilities are all to be found in the Hauraki District along with a range of community facilities including swimming pools, halls, parks, reserves and playgrounds.
Watch the video
Fishing
For the keen fishers within the Hauraki District there are four major rivers: Ohinemuri, Waitawheta, Waihou and Piako; and two coastlines: Whiritoa and the Kaiaua (Seabird) Coast. Of course we are also centrally located to many others.
Tramping
The Karangahake Gorge hosts numerous tramps/walks of various lengths for all fitness levels featuring a number of historic sites, mining relics and natural beauty. Visit the Department of Conservation website to find out more about their campsites, tracks and huts.
View more about walks, tracks and cycle trails in Hauraki.
The Hauraki Rail Trail
The Hauraki Rail Trail has instantly become a very popular cycling track for people of all riding abilities. The trail is accessible from Paeroa, Waihi and Waikino as well as Te Aroha and Thames with trails ranging from 14km to 33km, taking in scenic views and attractions throughout the area. See information about business opportunities with the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Annual Events in the Hauraki District
Paeroa Games and Highland Tattoo - Second Saturday in February
What started out as a small Pipe Bands Competition has grown over the years, and today is a fully-fledged Highland Games, one of only seven such Scottish gatherings in New Zealand, and the only one in New Zealand to hold an evening Tattoo. View their website www.paeroahighlandgames.co.nz
V8 and Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet - Third Saturday in February
A popular day for petrol heads and car enthusiasts. Beginning with a street parade throughout Paeroa and gathering for the show and swap meet at the Paeroa Racecourse.
Battle of the Streets Motorcycle Races - Third Sunday in February
See the action close up as motorcycles and sidecars race around the famous hacksaw circuit in the streets of Paeroa. Excellent viewing, plenty of food outlets and free parking available. See their website www.battleofthestreets.co.nz
Twin Rivers Water Ski Race - March
The main race starts at the Ngatea Bridge at 1.00pm and heads down the Piako River and into the Hauraki Gulf, returning up the Waihou River to finish under the Paeroa Bridge beside the Maritime Park. At the conclusion of this event, another race for masters, novice and subbies will start by the Turua boat ramp, and finish under the Paeroa Bridge beside the Maritime Park. Line the river for a vantage point to watch this exciting race.
Waihi's Warm Up Party for the Beach Hop - March
Hot rods and classic cars fill the township of Waihi, where the streets are closed and full of people, music and entertainment.
The Nugget Multisport Event - April
The event takes place in and around the iconic township of Waihi and combines mountain biking, off-road running, paddling and road cycling with various individual and team options. See The Nugget website www.thenugget.co.nz for more information.
Echo Walking Festival - April / May
A range of guided walks around the region for all levels of fitness. Some walks require bookings as numbers are limited. See their website for details and descriptions of walks www.echowalkfest.org.nz .
Ngatea Garage Sale - October
"New Zealand's Biggest Garage Sale" is held on the Saturday before Labour Weekend. Wander the streets of Ngatea to uncover the bargains.
Art Waikino - October
ART Waikino is now recognised as a major art exhibition hosting artists from the area and around New Zealand. Paintings, craft, photos and mosaics.
Maratoto Extreme Challenge - November
On foot or bike, Maratoto has the challenge to meet your need. There are three distances on offer: 21km, 10km and a fun 5km run or bike. The events offer a real challenge to even the most experienced of mountain bikers and hardened runners deep in the heart of the beautiful Maratoto Valley.
Paeroa Christmas Lights Show - December
This is a community based project, designed to spread Christmas cheer throughout the Paeroa region, run by Paeroa volunteers at the Paeroa Maritime Museum and Park. The show runs from mid until end of December. www.paeroachristmas.com
Also view the Events Calendar
Museums
Waihi Arts Centre & Museum
54 Kenny St, Waihi
The Museum operates as a place for the collection, display and preservation of items of historical interest to the Waihi District, particularly items relating to the underground mining history of the area. www.waihimuseum.co.nz
Paeroa Historic Maritime Museum & Park
Puke Rd North (beside the Puke Bridge), SH2, Paeroa
Housed in this historic building is one of the best displays of NZ and local maritime history including Captain Cook, The Northern Steamship Co., Naval displays and many scale replicas of vessels. Open at weekends and by appointment.
Paeroa & District Historical Society Museum
37 Belmont Road, Paeroa
This museum carries an extensive photographic display and complete issues of the Paeroa Gazette from 1896 to 1996, as well as supporting books and magazines, and its own annual publication The Ohinemuri Regional Historical Journal. Other areas of interest include a collection of more than 500 pieces of Royal Albert porcelain, local Maori and European artefacts, the Dufty Shell Collection, and a display of shops c.1910. They provide a complete picture of the development of the town and surrounding districts.
