Lake Moananui Reserve — Attraction in Waikato

A spectacular surprise! This lake is off the beaten track (SH1), but is worth the short detour. There are a number of places to park up and take the flat walk/run/bike around this gorgeous manmade lake. It has a beautiful collection of mature trees and an array of bird life to boot. Park benches are strategically placed all along the way, to sit and soak up the vistas. Picnic tables and good quality fitness equipment are also dotted around. There are a couple of public bbqs available. Bring a couple of 50cents for them. The playground is big, modern and popular with the locals. No wonder. It boasts the coolest pirate ship, just right for the toddlers! There are also opportunities to kick the ball around in this reserve for the older youth. It's also a picture perfect spot at the golden hour! If you're looking for a break in your travels or somewhere different to go for a picnic with the whole famz, seriously consider this hidden gem of a place. Best part? The locals are friendly when you need to find the best...

You gotta stop by here! As it's been made famous but sir Bruce Simpson in his YouTube videos Xjet. It really is a nice park, plenty of room to kick the footy, plenty of wildlife on the lake with a walking track around, lots of exercise equipment about the place and a full size kids playground. It also has public toilets that seem to be well maintained. Stop by in Tokoroa and relaxing here is...

Super walkway around the lake. Beautiful trees & wide open spaces. Gym equipment scattered around the walkway. Outside of lockdown there is a superb playground for kids, and picnic tables & BBQ's available. My only criticism is there are no seats under the shade of the trees, facing the lake. As an older person, I like to stop for a rest on the heat of summer, but nowhere to do so...