Roadside Attractions in Waikato
6 stops across 5 towns in Waikato — the oversized, the handmade and the barely-signposted.
Worth the detour in Waikato
The Giant Corrugated Iron Dog And Sheep
Tirau, Waikato
Tirau is known as the corrugated iron capital of New Zealand, largely due to the whimsical sculptures created by local artist Steven Clothier. The town's information center is famously housed inside a massive sheep, while a giant sheepdog sits right across the road. Constructed entirely from corrugated iron, these oversized roadside icons celebrate the local farming industry with brilliant folk art creativity.
The Giant Goodwood Gumboot
Te Kuiti, Waikato
Standing proudly as a tribute to the quintessential New Zealand wet-weather footwear, this towering yellow rubber boot celebrates the rural farming spirit of the region. It holds the title of the world's largest gumboot and serves as the centerpiece for the annual Gumboot Day festival. Visitors can stop by to snap a photo with this massive piece of footwear history right in the heart of town.
The Giant Milk Bottle
Ngatea, Waikato
Standing proudly alongside State Highway 2 in Ngatea, this oversized concrete dairy bottle pays homage to the region's rich farming heritage. Originally built in the late 20th century as a clever marketing landmark for a local store, it has since become a mandatory roadside photo stop for travelers exploring the Hauraki Plains.
The Giant Trout of Taupo
Taupo, Waikato
Standing proudly outside the Creel Tackle House, this colossal fiberglass rainbow trout pays homage to Taupo's world-renowned freshwater fishing. It is a quintessential mid-century roadside icon that invites endless photo opportunities for passing travelers and angling enthusiasts alike.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo, Waikato
This underground labyrinth is illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms hanging from the limestone ceiling, creating a subterranean starry night. Visitors glide silently on a boat through the dark cavern to witness the luminous display, which has been drawing travelers for over a century.
Giant Merino Sheep
Tirau, Waikato
Tirau is famous for its corrugated iron sculptures, and this massive sheep building stands proudly alongside a giant corrugated ram as a tribute to the local wool industry. Visitors can step inside the sheep structure, which houses a retail shop selling woolen garments and local souvenirs. It is a quintessential New Zealand roadside stop that showcases the town's unique folk art heritage.
Browse by town in Waikato
The busiest town here is Tirau (2). Every listing has photos, opening hours, admission and directions, and the directory grows whenever somebody searches for a stop that isn't in it yet.