Access to the Waikato River Trails, Maungatautari Ecological Island, Te Waihou Walkway, Barnetts Reserve and many more are nearby.

Waikato River Trails

Discover the beauty of the Waikato Region, its lush green hills, native bush and farmland. On your journey throught the Waikato River Trails you will take in interesting rock formations, historical landmarks, native plants, bird life and animals. The Waikato River Trail runs along the boundary of Lakeside Farm. The beginning of the trail is just two paddocks away from Lakeside Farm Cottage.

Maungatautari Ecological Island

The southern enclosure is located a 10 minute drive from Lakeside Farm Cottage. Maungatautari is an internationally significant restoration project. This 3,400 hectare forested, extinct volcano stands majestically on the landscape in the Waikato basin, between Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Putaruru, in the central North Island of New Zealand. Takahe, kiwi, kaka (birds) and kokopu (fish) have already been reintroduced to two pest free enclosures.

Te Waihou Walkway and Spring

Located an easy 20 minutes drive from Lakeside Farm Cottage. Experience the internationally acclaimed Blue Spring. The reason for the blue colour (and high visual clarity) of the Waihou River and its spring source is the high optical purity of the water.

Lake Arapuni

A popular fishery, especially for those wishing to fish from a boat for a good population of above-average sized rainbow and brown trout. All trout fishing techniques can be used. Also popular for water sports such as skiing and wakeboarding.

Arapuni Hydro Power Station and Arapuni Swing Bridge

Arapuni is the home to a hydro electric power station and dam which were among the first to be constructed on the Waikato River. Arapuni Power Station was completed in 1929 and is the oldest operating power station on the Waikato River. The 152 metre long swingbridge is suspended 54 metres above the power station and offers spectacular views of the scenic gorge.

Putaruru Timber Museum

Go and check out the Putaruru Timber Museum which is dedicated to the South Waikato Timber Industry which dates back to the turn of last century.

Jim Barnett Reserve

A fragment of a remaining 900 hectare native bush, this reserve has an abundance of native trees and birds including the North Island Robin. The walking tracks meander through this reserve, providing mostly easy walking.

Karapiro Cruiser

Take a cruise on the calm waters of Lake Karapiro. The Karapiro Cruiser departs from the Horahora Domain which is located 15 minutes North of Lakeside Farm Cottage.