With international travel becoming imminent, we want to make sure we use this time in our own borders to support these local spots before they’re forgotten as we fuck off to somewhere better. No offence Kirikiriroa.
Tamahere Reserve
For all our “from-the-earth-doTerra-want a pretty pic in nature” girlies, then look no further my friends. Also a great place for mushroom foraging.
Hakarimata hikoi
Do you love a good hilltop selfie? Wanna flex that you’re just better than everyone else? This is the place for you. Iconic scenery and amazing vibes, Ngāruawāhia has you covered.
Timezone
You remember when Stranger Things pushed the narrative that the 80’s neon era was back and we were living in a street fighter level? Well, Timezone did it first. With a traditional arcade aesthetic and some fun as fuck games, hit them up when you’re feeling like being a kid again.
The Zoo
Because why wouldn’t you want to pay to go look at some sad animals behind bars, held there for the benefit of the upper class… oh wait. Make sure you check out the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park across the road while you’re there, too (it’s free).
Raglan
Summer time calls for a day trip to our local, free-loving beachside town, giving you a taste of coastal Australia without having to flip across the ditch. Just make sure you bring back half the beach in your car – it’s tradition.
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
Te Whare Waka o Te Winika is a free exhibit that has a beautiful waka on display, gifted by Te Atairangikaahu as a gesture of good will. What an A-class wāhine. They have other shit as well, I think.
Night Markets at Te Awa
Looking to some to buy kai, but want the added danger of eating it off some flimsy as fuck paper plate and potentially dropping it? Head to Te Awa on a Friday night and fill your puku with some fried goodness and authentic kai from a melting pot of culture.
Liliput Funzone
There’s an obvious joke about Gullivers Travels, we’re sure of it, but honestly this place has fucking everything! We can’t be mad at it.
Escape Room
Ever wanted to get locked in a room and use your intellect to figure out how to get out? Nah, me either. But some fuckers really froth this shit, so give it a go.
The literal river
Our beautiful kowhaea is long, gorgeous, lucious, and wet – what more could you ask for? There’s plenty of beautiful spots for you to have picnics, fish for koi, smoke weed, and watch other people’s dogs. #bliss
