WAIKATO: WAIPA

31-Jul-13

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Pirongia Town - Public Car Park

star rating of 3

by Chris Gaelic

693 Franklin St, Pirongia, Waikato

Phone: 0800 924 723

rvexplorer id: 17650

Lat-Long: -37.98991, 175.20114

The Birdsong Art and Craft Gallery

The Birdsong Art and Craft Gallery

 

Plaque commemorating the founding of Pirogia in 1864

Plaque commemorating the founding of Pirogia in 1864

 

The first school built in the Waikato

The first school built in the Waikato - now used for a Playcentre

 

 

Pirongia town was another one of those pleasant surprises that you can find scattered around rural New Zealand. Located in the middle of the Waikato district, it is easy to just drive through, as we've done previously, without noticing anything special.

 

But this time we planned to stop and check out the free overnight parking area offered by the local council.

 

While the public car park is on a busy road, it is in a pretty location, with clean toilets. The Birdsong Art and Craft Gallery is next door, located in an historic building which displays a plaque commemorating the founding of Pirongia in 1864 at the end of the Maori wars in the Waikato.

 

The oldest school building built in the Waikato is located nearby, and is now home to a children's playcentre. 

 

The buildings are beautifully maintained, and leave a strong impression of a communitiy that takes a pride in their town and its history.

 

We probably wouldn't stay overnight because of the busy road. Also, in Pirongia you are spoiled for choice, with the Persimmon Cafe and Pirongia Clydesdales both offering free, or low cost overnight parking. And there is also a campsite, which we have yet to visit.

 

However, it is well worth stopping in Pirongia towm to take a break from driving, or for a toilet stop. There is also a children's play area if you are travelling with youngsters. 

 

Be sure to  check out the art and craft gallery. It was closed when we were there, but looked interesting from what we could see peering through the window.

 

 

Public toilets and children's play area right beside the car park

 

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