Search hotels in Putaruru

Putaruru like so many smaller towns in NZ struggles. It is obviously on the main route for heavy trucks and few seem to stop over. Not much choice of sit-down food outlets but Wooden Farmer staff worked hard to make sure we were happy when we had dinner. Short drive to Rotorua and Matamata which was good for us. Local supermarket is small but carries a good range.

It was everything we expected because the photos of the rooms depicted exactly what it was and it was affordable. I could park my car by the front entrance of the Hotel and the Staff were friendly. If I had extra time I would of loved to hang out for another night or two.

I stayed (1 night) overnight on my way to next destination, this is long enough. I did visit the Blue Springs (still free entry at the time of writing but they are building a gate!) but unfortunately access was blocked due to rock-fall. Walking along the river was nice but there are steps and when wet it can be slippery. Car park is small and fills up fast. People were friendly but told me there is nothing to do.

It should be made clear that the hotel has NO food facilities, not even cornflakes for breakfast! Receptionist did recommend a decent cafe for breakfast but I was very surprised on arrival to find no food facilities. Shoulda read the small print! Not much of a view of Putaruru as it was foggy in the morning.

We visited in the middle of winter and the weather was awful but we did go to over the moon cheese factory ( they were unable to offer cheese making classes at this time because of covid) but gave us some cheesetasting and because it was the first thing we did we were able to go back and buy more yummy cheese before we left, the water park in the middle of town was in the middle of a revamp which is good because when it comes to summer it will be ready, the wooden farmer was delicious, next time we go to Putaruru we will pick a time of year that has better weather so we can enjoy some of the beautiful nature walks they have.

Putaruru township & people is lovely, Good food at the eating places, some a bit to expensive for a town like this. Had a great meal at The Cook Cafe & Restaurant. Good food at The Wooden Farmer but a little expensive. Great Breakfast at the Crazy Cow & lovely staff.