Te Puke, home to the Kiwifruit, is a great example of a rural farming town and has a thriving dairy, cattle, sheep and deer industry alongside its booming kiwifruit production.
The fantastic Bay of Plenty coastline is close by with three surf beaches - Papamoa, Pukehina and Maketu - within 10 minutes drive of the Te Puke town centre.
A week-long kiwifruit festival is held annually in Te Puke, attracting many visitors and giving locals a good excuse to let their hair down. Featuring a kiwifruit queen, showcase of kiwifruit products and services and a festival ball, it has become a popular event.
One of Te Puke’s popular tourist attractions is a theme park based on the hairy berry - Kiwi 360. Enjoy learning about how New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry works, take a guided tour of an extensive orchard, show the kids the Magic World playground and take some time to sample Kiwifruit wine.
Another Te Puke attraction is the vintage and classic car vehicle display on view at Te Puke Auto Barn. Including a large tractor collection dating back to the 1920’s, all vehicles are in working condition and regularly used.
Enjoy one of the many bushwalks and parks in the area such as the Roydon Downs Bush and Farm Walks. Here there is a multitude of walking tracks, picnics, BBQ’s, camping sites and swimming holes to entertain the whole family. Or visit the Croeso i Hafod Woodland Garden for a something a bit different. A tranquil place to visit, the garden has a different character each season and with century-old trees, a rose walk and a flax archway.
After 18 holes at the Te Puke Golf Club championship course, cool down at Maketu beach just five minutes away.
With close to 7,000 people and a great variety of shops, cafes and industry, Te Puke is a fine example of a developing, bustling New Zealand town.
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