Tokoroa is the gateway to the central North Island’s tourist attractions. There is easy access to bush walks, scenic reserves, lakes and rivers, which are all steeped in Maori legend.

For the more adventurous the hunting in the area is excellent. Permits can be obtained from Carter Holt Harvey forests for hunting and Game includes deer, possums, rabbits, pigs, goats, ferrets and stoats. The hunting tradition is also reflected in the annual National Shooting Championship. Off road forest tracks also make it home to a world class mountain biking track and national motor cross events.

Tokoroa’s timber industry heritage makes it the natural place to hold the world-famous ‘Golden Axe and Logger Sports’ events where foresters from around the world compete against each other in incredible displays of skill, strength and stamina.

The development of the ‘Talking Poles’ trail throughout the CBD offers a leisurely and informative stroll for visitors to the town and has helped to build pride in the town. The Talking Poles project was part of the concept designs for the Central Business District upgrade for Tokoroa in 1996. Since then the project has produced 34 Talking Poles in a variety of themes, styles and materials and there are more Poles in the making.The sculptured poles were carved by local artists and are the result of contributions and in-kind support from the local business community. Each pole has a special significance, reflecting the cultural diversity of the Tokoroa community and telling a story important to the local people.