Our District

Waitomo District encompasses 354,649 hectares of predominantly rural land on the west coast of the Central North Island. The western boundary is the Tasman Sea. It is adjacent to the Ōtorohanga district to the north, Taupō district to the east and Ruapehu and New Plymouth districts to the south.

Te Kūiti is the administrative and main trading centre in the Waitomo District, with approximately 45% of the district population residing in this town. There are several other smaller settlements located throughout the district, including the popular beach settlements of Mōkau, Awakino, Marokopa, Te Waitere and Taharoa. The main rural communities are Maniaiti/Benneydale, Piopio and Waitomo Village.

While the district is predominantly contained within the Waikato Region, the south-eastern corner of the district is within the Manawatu-Wanganui (Horizons) Regional Council’s jurisdiction.

The district enjoys a favourable climate with an annual average of 1,749 hours of sunshine. The average temperature ranges between 18.5OC in the summer to 9.5OC in the winter. Frosts are experienced 47 days per year on average, with 1,473mm of rainfall annually.

Map of Waitomo District (JPG 882 KB)

Quick facts about Waitomo District:

  • Community living in an environment surrounded by natural beauty. Located two hours from Auckland and the Taranaki region, and one hour from Hamilton. 
  • The rich soil, high productivity and a temperate climate results in fast growing pastures. Sheep and Beef farming is the largest agricultural enterprise and is supported by a local meat works industry, livestock transport companies and wool buyers.
  • Well known for having the purest limestone in the southern hemisphere. This sedimentary rock is currently mined from various quarries in the Waitomo District and transported across the country.
  • Local businesses range from award winning cafes and restaurants to accommodation providers, rural servicing and construction specialists.
  • A strong network of clubs, theatre and sporting groups provide many opportunities to become involved in the community and meet new people.
  • Quality early childhood, primary and secondary education opportunities.