Hairy Feet Waitomo - Trollshaws Forest
Not to dissimilar to the story behind the Alexander family of Hobbiton Movie Set, the Denize family have also had their own movie magic experience when filming came to their piece of unassuming farmland.
Visitors can now take a tour with Hairy Feet Waitomo, taking in the sites of filming locations including Trollshaw Forest, and more.
Piopio, Waitomo
Denize Bluffs at Hairy Feet Waitomo in the Mangaotaki Valley, Piopio, near Waitomo.
A quaint rural community, Piopio is home to a number of off the beaten track attractions.
Located south of Waitomo, this seemingly inconspicuous area boasts a varied landscape perfect for walking and hiking tracks, rural accommodation and scenic drives.
Beautiful walking and hiking tracks include the Omaru and Waitangaru Falls, both easy short walks with ample photo opportunities. Limestone cliff faces give way to native forest in the Mangaotaki Scenic Reserve, with peaceful picnic spots throughout.
After exploring the walking and hiking tracks in the area, some nourishment can be found at the popular and award winning Fat Pigeon café in the main town, or just north of the town the Piopio orchard provides fresh strawberries, raspberries and blueberries that can be purchased or blended in real fruit ice-creams.
Grab a round of golf at the Aria Golf Club, set in attractive farmland and grazed by friendly sheep, or try your hand at Trout fishing in the Mangaohae, Mangaotaki and Awakino rivers.
Glimpse into the history of the area at the Piopio and districts museum, and spend the night in one of the many rural Bed & Breakfast or farm stays.