Nestled between the Kaimai Ranges and the Waikato River, centrally located Morrinsville is home to some 8,500 people.
Together with the nearby towns of Matamata and Te Aroha, it makes up one of New Zealand’s most fertile dairy farming areas. The town’s slogan, ‘Cream of the Country’, reflects the rich land that supports the dairy sector the Waikato region is famous for.
Things to do in Morrinsville
Morrinsville Museum
Morrinsville Museum keeps the history of the area alive with exhibits ranging from Māori taonga to the likes of toys children played with in the 1800s and tools used by blacksmiths to hammer, bend and cut agricultural, and household implements as well as shoe horses.
A vast photographic collection takes you on a visual journey of the town’s beginnings.
Wallace Gallery
The Wallace Gallery, located on Morrinsville’s main street, is the perfect place to find inspiration and learn about New Zealand’s contemporary art scene.
One of the three exhibition spaces is dedicated to showing works from the James Wallace Arts Trust collection, which numbers over 6,000 pieces in its entirety. The other two rooms display work by New Zealand artists, including local Morrinsville artists and school groups.
Herd of Cows?
Honouring Morrinsville’s dairying heritage while celebrating the area’s passion for the arts, the Herd of Cows? street art puts a smile on just about everyone’s face.
Some 60 life-size cow sculptures are located around town with names like Picowsso, Peek-a-Moo, Moo World Stampede, Accowtants, and Udderly HOT adding to the amusement.
Morrinsville isite visitor information centre is where to pick up a free trail map of the cows.
Local Fashion Designer
A 20-plus year career in fashion has put Annah Stretton on the global stage. She bases her business in Morrinsville with the production and design department for her Annah Stretton, Annah S and Chameleon collections located on the corner of Thames and Market streets. On the premises is the cafe, famed for its toasted sandwiches that hero artisan breads and cheese, with vegan options also available.
Dining out in Morrinsville
Eating out in Morrinsville is a chance to enjoy good coffee and indulgent treats, sample the fresh-as locally grown produce and to take your tastebuds on a journey with cuisines ranging from Kiwi café fare to Mediterranean, Indian, Asian, Turkish and more. Located in the heart of Morrinsville, Loxies is one of the must-visit cafes for those looking for a cozy and welcoming atmosphere paired with delicious coffee and a variety of indulgent treats. The Redoubt Bar & Eatery is another popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse menu of delicious pub-style food and drinks. Check out more dining options in Morrinsville here
On the outskirts of Morrinsville on Settlement Road there is Essenza Coffee Company’s café and roastery in a former cowshed on the family dairy farm – you can also do a tour by appointment. At Mangateparu village FJ’s Coffee Cart has tasty homemade fare and jars of honey.
Morrinsville Heritage Trail
Morrinsville Heritage Trail is perfect for history buffs as well as anyone looking to simply stroll around town. The nearly three-kilometre trail starts at St Matthew’s Anglican Church, wending its way through Howie Park to the historic McDonald’s Cottage, built in 1874 from heart kauri. Walking the trail takes about an hour or pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Morrinsville River Walk
Another pleasant family-friendly saunter – and picnic opportunity – is the Morrinsville River Walk that follows the Piako River through stands of native trees and past a small waterfall.
Visit the Morrinsville isite for more information about Morrinsville
How far to:
- Hamilton: 33km, 30 minutes
- Auckland: 137km, 1 hour 35 minutes
- Te Aroha: 22km, 20 minutes
- Rotorua: 100km, 1 hour 19 minutes
Morrisville is also on the doorstep of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can revel in the rolling green hills that brought the Waikato region to silver screens around the world.
