With summer around the corner I thought we could share with you some special Waikato spots we have found in the areas where our honeys are harvested from. This time I'm going to focus on Marokopa.
You may wonder where Marokopa is! It's about 3/4 of an hour west of Waitomo, right beside the rugged west coast.
When you drive into the settlement you feel like you are going back in time. It is a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of life and just relax! It's famous for it's fishing and white-baiting.
When driving from Waitomo Village to Marokopa there are a variety of short walks including:
Mangapohue Natural Bridge
This is the highlight on the scenic drive from Waitomo to Marokopa. The 20 minute track follows a boardwalk through an amazing limestone gorge that takes you under an impressive natural bridge. If you look up you will see the ceiling is studded with stalactite type formations. It truly is a beautiful and unique setting. The track continues over farmland where you can see 25 million year old fossilised oysters in the limestone outcrops. You will find the natural bridge along Te Anga Road between Waitomo and Marokopa (about 25km from Waitomo).
Piripiri Cave Walk
This short 5 minute walk takes you through native bush, past some limestone outcrops and down some stairs to one of the few free caves open to the general public. A platform allows you to view into the cave, remember to take a torch! You will find the start of the track along Te Anga Road between Waitomo and Marokopa (about 29km from Waitomo).
Marokopa Falls
This is an easy 20 minute return walk through a native tawa and nikau forest to the beautiful Marokopa Falls. The 35mm high waterfall is said to be one of the most beautiful falls in the country so it worth checking out. The waterfall divides Marokopa River into two, making it a popular trout fishing area, so bring your fishing rod!
The start of the walk is sign posted on Te Anga Road between Waitomo and Marokopa (about 31km from Waitomo).
Here are some other great things to see in the Marokopa area:
Kiritehere Beach
You'll find Kiritehere beach just south of Marokopa. Not only is the surf good but it is a great place to look for fossils! The limestones on the beach are filled with fossilised clams, mussels and scallops that are more than 200 million years old.
Waitomo Area
There is so much to see and do in the Waitomo area, including:
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Ruakuri Caves & Bush Scenic Reserve
- Waitomo Museum of Caves
- Cave adventures: abseiling, black water rafting, etc
- Opapaka Pa Walk
- Waitomo Walkway
Check out this great guide to walks in the area.
If you're looking to purchase some food or supplies while you're in the area make sure you stop at the Waitomo General Store just down from the Museum! They are a licensed cafe and sell groceries, souvenirs, etc. Much of this information and more is found on the Department of Conservation Website, check it to plan your weekend get aways.
Purchase Marokopa Honey here! Please note not all our honey varieties are available all the time.
