Inside today Animal magnetism
Tirau – a world famous in New Zealand arty hub
This is a must-stop little town on State Highway 1, at the bottom of the Waikato, or as some maintain, plumb in the middle of the North Island. But geography isn’t why you should stop in the town though, it’s because of art.
Not fine art, more farm art: it’s famous for its corrugated iron trio of giant ewe, ram and sheepdog.
Why go?
Because where better to buy fine merino than inside a huge sheep?
This building was the start of the corrugated craze that now defines Tırau. It was built in the mid-1990s to house a shop selling handmade knitted and woven goods, but the inspiration that led to its sheep shape, was infectious.
The dog came next, with a Visitor Centre, mural and public toilets inside it, then everyone – including the church – got in on the act, from the town’s welcome sign to shop and business labels.
The canoodling ram completed the trio. Most of the art has been the work of local man Stephen Clothier, who now has around 20 years’ experience moulding this unlikely material into works both functional and decorative.
There’s a lot more to Tırau than just corrugated iron, though. Antiques are big, and honey is also a local specialty. You’re spoilt for choice with cafes, but you might like (for the bragging rights) to buy your flat white at the Bugger Cafe.
Insider tip
Look up at the lamp posts: the decoration is a nod to the meaning of the town’s name, ‘‘place of many cabbage trees’’.
And if you bypass the dog’s conveniences, there’s another quirky set on Hillcrest St.
On the way/nearby
Drive south, past the unexpected Castle Pamela on its hill, and just down SH5 is the Tırau Museum, which has a rural and domestic focus but includes a wide variety of random and unexpected items, such as paper money from a prisoner of war camp.
Or go a bit further to Pu ta ruru and take a stroll along the Te Waihou Walkway to marvel at the colour and clarity of the water of the Blue Springs, which has been filtered through rock for 100 years, and pumps out at an impressive volume.
You can wallow in this same water, naturally heated, at the nearby Okoroire Hot Springs resort.
How much?
You may find yourself spending a penny inside the giant dog and plenty of time, of course, looking round the town, but it’s all free if you can resist the temptations of the cafes and shops.
Best time to go
Tırau is always happy to see you. There’s a trash and treasure market in the town hall on the first Sunday of the month, and a country market on the third.