Tīrau

Tīrau
Tīrau's corrugated iron dog and sheep buildings
Interactive map of Tīrau
Coordinates: 37°59′S 175°45′E / 37.983°S 175.750°E / -37.983; 175.750
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWaikato Region
DistrictSouth Waikato District
WardTirau Ward
CommunityTirau Community
Government
 • Territorial authoritySouth Waikato District Council
 • Regional councilWaikato Regional Council
 • Mayor of South WaikatoGary Petley
 • Taupō MPLouise Upston
 • Te Tai Hauāuru MPDebbie Ngarewa-Packer
Area
 • Total
1.69 km2 (0.65 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2025)
 • Total
950
 • Density560/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+12 (NZST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+13 (NZDT)
Postcode
3410
Area code07

Tīrau is a small town in the South Waikato District of the North Island of New Zealand, 50 kilometres southeast of Hamilton. It had a population of 950 in June 2025. The name "Tīrau" is from the Māori language and means "many cabbage trees".

Tīrau is a node in the state highway network, sitting at the junctions of State Highway 1, State Highway 5, and State Highway 27. Tīrau is primarily a farming town but in recent years has begun to exploit the income that comes from being at a major road junction.

The small community of Okoroire (with hot springs) is located just north of Tīrau. Okoroire railway station was over 4 km (2.5 mi) to the west of the springs.