Te Waihou Walkway

Dogs No Dogs

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

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.

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.