Tirau is a good place to stop if you’re travelling north or south from Auckland along SH1. There are lots of shops and cafes but if your focus is just getting out of the car and stretching your legs, park up at the back of the BP petrol station and there’s a small but perfectly formed playground to the left hand side.

There are a couple of swings, a seesaw and a big structure with climbing walls, a tube slide, balance bridges etc. If you’ve arrived with your own food, there’s a grassy area, a free bbq and a big old oak tree for some shade.

There are toilets next to the i-site on the opposite side of the main road, which are also just near the tin dogs if you’re keen for a selfie with this Tirau icon!