"Tirau, on the way to Rotorua and Taupo." Tirau by kiwi

Tirau Travel Guide: 34 reviews and 118 photos

Tirau is a very interesting small town that services the traffic passing through. Located on State Highway 1 where it also converges with St Hwy 5 & Prov St Hwy 27, it has a lot of vehicles passing bye.
A great marketing and development job has been done on Tirau and here you can see the Information Office shaped like a sheep dog and the Wool/Souvenier shop shaped like a sheep.
A must see place to have your photo taken!! The Sheep was built in 1994, and the Dog in 1998 followed by a trend to have corrugated iron signs all around town.

Originally called Oxford, it's name was changed in 1895 to Tirau. Probably to avoid confusion with Oxford down in Canterbury, South Island.
Ti = Cabbage Tree, rau = many.
So Tirau is the place of many Cabbage Trees!

Something for everyone here at Tirau.

Most signs are this style of iron.

This town has become revitalised over recent years, and has developed into an oasis of a stop for the passing vehicles. It is situated on State Hwy One, therefore has a lot of traffic passing through. Seemed only logical to harness this flow of people and attract them to stop and spend some of their money!
The shops are so interesting and varied, almost something for everyone within a short walk of the car.
Another point of interest in Tirau is the common style of sign which most businesses have embraced, in the corrugated iron medium.

Tirau Church.

Here is the church in the main street of Tirau. It's large (for a small town) has development out the back, is well used and brings the community together.

I have dedicated this photo to vt member "craic".

Pros and Cons

Pros:Really nice cafés and shops.
Cons:A lot of traffic.
In a nutshell:A fine place to stop on your journey.

Last visit to Tirau: Dec 2011
Intro Updated Dec 17, 2011
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Reviews (7)

Castle Pamela Things to Do (3)

Private collection of Dolls, Toys and Royal Albert China well displayed in this unique castle built to house... more travel advice

Interesting Cellar Shopping (3)

This may not be a shop for travellers, but it could be. Especially if you are looking for some cuisine from home. There... more travel advice

There is no bank in Tirau. Tourist Traps (1)

There is no bank branch in Tirau. However at the Caltex petrol station, right in the middle of town, there is a money... more travel advice

Tirau Information Centre. Things to Do (3)

Tirau Information Centre built (1998) to look like a dog. This is no ordinary dog, but the traditional sheep dog that... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (11)

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Herwig1961 Dec 3, 2008 at 9:52 PM

Hm,strange place in a way...But would like to visit:-)))Thanks for sharing!
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balhannah Sep 19, 2008 at 5:16 PM

Will have to go back there now, didn't see all of the things made out of iron, its an interesting town, and I like you photos.
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angiebabe Sep 6, 2007 at 5:31 AM

have saved your cheapest jade tip - sounds interesting for a shop up next time im passing through!
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Geoff_Wright Oct 29, 2005 at 2:05 PM

Didn't realise you had tarmac roads out there, hahaha. Grate doggie and sheeeeeeeeeep.
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Darby2 Aug 28, 2005 at 3:04 PM

We must do lunch at Alley Kat's café!!! We must, we must, WE MUST!!!
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allikat Aug 28, 2005 at 1:59 PM

Horse has settled in nicely and is looking forward to summer on the deck with his head wobbling....
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worldkiwi Jan 2, 2005 at 1:53 PM

Another really informative page Pam! That tourist trap tip is a good one... there is now another cashpoint type machine just south of the Caltex one. Hats off to the folk of Tirau who have made their town an attraction to the passing traveller!
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Kate-Me Mar 24, 2004 at 7:51 PM

Great town, I loved it! Didn't realize there were so few VT pages on this great town, till Craic noticed the one I've just made. I just love the dog...
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pepples46 Nov 6, 2003 at 5:15 PM

this place rocks
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nada1712 Sep 29, 2003 at 1:42 PM

Great page !!Tirau always makes me laugh !As I round the bend can't wait to get a glimpse of those 'things'. They surely are unique - How on earth did they get planning permission? Best wishes Nada