It would be easy to pass through Putaruru without stopping but that would mean you would miss out on the history, hospitality and other ‘wow’ opportunities.
We stayed for three days at a POP (Park over Property) 3klm out from the township on John Hutton’s rural property.
John was such an excellent host and travel guide. “What have you got planned while you are here?” He said. John then produced brochures of places for us to see in his region and told us some history about Putaruru.
VIEW FROM JOHN HUTTON’S PROPERTY
BLUE SPRINGS
Just 6klm from John Hutton’s home is the Blue Springs. Rain from the Mamaku Ranges is filtered on it’s journey to the Blue Spring. It is estimated that it takes 100 years for it to reach the spring. This spring provides 70% of bottled water in New Zealand. Not only does it provide superb water to Putaruru town but also it is available to visitors from water stations erected around the town. We did the walk through beautiful bush and following the river to the source of the spring.
PUTARURU TIMBER MUSEUM
Just south of town is the Putaruru Timber Museum. The display and history of the four Timber Mills in this area is worth a visit.
AWAPUNI Dam and swing bridge visit from Putaruru was scary for me. Ha, for a former acrobat and stuntman, I did not like the walk on the swing bridge at AWAPUNI above the river to the Dam.
Robyn was real brave and took shots from the bridge and when she was completely off the bridge I put “blinkers’ on and walked looking straight ahead across. Ha, it was scary and Rob killed herself laughing. The Engineering of this swing bridge has to be admired-even if you do not walk it!
Brave Peter ready to cross the swing bridge.
3 Comments
Doug T
Nice photos Pete! The Springs look magic. Never been in Putaruru.
Peter Bonham
Thanks Doug
Amazing Springs. See you in July. In Blenheim 4-10 July. You around?
Peter Bonham
Thanks Jim. Yes it is these small towns we love. They have a great community spirit.