WORLD OCEANIA NEW ZEALAND TOKOROA


Diveshops in Tokoroa:

Tokoroa


Since 1998, Tokoroa has been "sprouting" Talking Poles, consisting mainly of carvings representing the many cultures in the town. This one, photographed shortly after its unveiling in 2004, is a chainsaw carving of an old tree which had suffered extensive damage from a storm and died. It is representative of the Greenman in Welsh mythology and is located on State Highway 1, immediately adjacent to the town's information centre.



Tokoroa is the second largest town in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the largest settlement in the [[South Waikato (district), New Zealand|
and is located 30 kilometres southwest of Rotorua close to the foot of the Mamaku Ranges. Its population in 2006 census night was 15,063 (2001-14,025) (1996-15,096). Tokoroa is located mid-way between Taupo and Hamilton on State Highway One. The Kinleith Branch railway passes through Tokoroa. The other major settlements in the South Waikato District are Putaruru, Tirau and Arapuni.

History

Early history
It is traditionally recorded that one of the great fighting chiefs of the Ngati Kahupungapunga, Tokoroa by name, was slain by Ngati Raukawa during the siege of Pohuturoa, a high rocky eminence 27km south of Tokoroa on the main Taupo highway. It is probable that some early surveyor applied the name Tokoroa as a tribute to the old chief's memory. The name 'Tokoroa' first appeared on the early maps of the 1860's.

Growth
Tokoroa is one of the most recent towns in New Zealand history. It first developed around 1948, as a residential satellite for New Zealand Forest Products Limited's timber, pulp and paper mill at Kinleith, 8km south of Tokoroa. In 1948 the town could boast a population of 1100. By the time NZFP began to downscale its operations at Kinleith in the early 1980's, Tokoroa had a population of 18,000 - just 2,000 below the number necessary to be proclaimed a city. In recent years however, the downscaling at Kinleith and in other industries has resulted in a drop in population, and only 14,175 people resided in Tokoroa as of 2001.

Geography

Location
Surrounding the township are many Dairy Farms and Plantation Forests. There are many scenic reserves around the town - the artificial lake 'Moana-Nui' lies within a popular recreational park. The lake has a many ducks and much weed in it (partially due to its shallowness). Signs have been put up warning people not to swim in the water due to health concerns.

The town's location in the centre of the central North Island and its developed transportation network provide plenty of potential for warehousing and distribution. Tokoroa lies in the centre of a triangle made up of the popular tourism destinations of Rotorua, Waitomo and Taupo. There are about 45 lakes within 45 minutes drive of Tokoroa.

One can travel to four major centres, each less than a one hour drive:
  • Hamilton (north north west)
  • Tauranga (north east)
  • Rotorua (south east east)
  • Taupo (south)


  • Township
    As well as the central business district, the township is made up of many subdivisions, each...



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    Christchurch Snow and Kiwi Tour 5.5 hours

    International Antarctic Centre

    This tour comprising of the mid afternoon and early evening, visits two of Christchurch's leading attractions - the International Antarctic Centre and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

    The International Antarctic Centre, a winner of the New Zealand Tourism Board's award for 'Best Visitor Attraction', recreates the atmosphere of Antarctica and provides the visitor with an interactive exciting experience of this Southern Continent which very few people have the opportunity to experience first hand. Whilst at the International Antarctic Centre (and included in the tour) is a 40 minute ride on the Hagglund all-terrain snow mobile. The ride includes a visit to the U.S. Clothing Warehouse, the special Antarctic Departure Terminal and an exhilarating off-road adventure course to test the Hagglund's unique capabilities.

    The tour moves on to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you will enjoy a wonderful five course New Zealand carvery style buffet dinner. Prior to dinner there will be time to explore the farmyard and zoo area of the reserve. Following dinner, take a tour of the Reserve where you will see kiwis in the open, eels, keas, deer, possums and other birds and animals both native and introduced to New Zealand. The tour concludes with the return to your Christchurch accommodation.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details


    Discover Rotorua Morning City Tour 5 hours

    Traditional Maori Greeting, Rotorua Discover Rotorua's leading attractions!

    The first stop is Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Enjoy a guided tour to view mighty geysers, boiling mud pools, and the traditional arts and culture of the Maori People including carving and weaving demonstrations.

    Next you will visit Rainbow Springs - a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and fauna including New Zealand's national icon, a kiwi bird; and the and the Agrodome Sheep Show - a hands-on experience giving you an animated insight into New Zealand's farming history.

    Tour Highlights include:

    • Te Puia Thermal Reserve
    • Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
    • Rainbow Springs Nature Park
    • Agrodome Sheep Show

    Click here for more information and Booking Details


    Discover Christchurch Morning Tour 3 hours

    Discover Christchurch Morning Tour

    Travel via the seaside suburb of Sumner where you will see the local landmark of Cave Rock, before you journey Evans Pass for panoramic views on your way to Lyttelton Township. On your return to Christchurch enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee and the chance to explore the Canterbury Museum.

    Tour Highlights Include:

    • Botanic Gardens - A fine collection of exotic and indigenous plants.
    • Port Hills - Offering superb views of Christchurch and Lyttelton
    • Mona Vale - a homestead surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens owned by the people of Christchurch
    • Sumner - absorb the beach views in the boutique seaside village of Sumner situated in one of New Zealand's leading lifestyle cities.
    • Lyttelton - Visit the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand and a world class supplier of port services.
    • Christchurch Arts Center - A vibrant and exciting venue for a huge range of New Zealand made art, crafts, shopping, education and entertainment.
    • Canterbury Museum - explore New Zealand's rich culture and natural history and enjoy a complimentary tea of coffee.

    Add to your morning tour a visit to the International Antarctic Center. Experience the atmosphere and environment of Antarctica, with an interactive, fun and exciting experience in the "Great White South".

    Click here for more information and Booking Details




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