Tirau may only be famous because you have to drive through it on the way south from auckalnd on your way to wellington, but if you were to stop and take a look around you will be pleasantly surprised by the cafes and boutique shops that line the main trunk line south. For those who choose to stay awhile, the surrounding area offers golf, horseracing, bushwalking, canoeing, whitewater rafting and jetboating. Great motel and hotel accommodation can be found at Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel