WAIAU Waiau is a very small town that is next to the very wide Wahoo River. Small the town maybe but a class act it is. Waiau is a small town on the road from Hanmer Springs to Cheviot. The Waiau Hotel and War Memorial are quite something in their own right and set the scene for a respectful assessment. The Waiau War Memorial is on a hill that overlooks the town, river and valley; this site obviously chosen in the hope the spirits of the local sons may overlook their birthplace. Waiau shares its name with several much smaller settlements and farming communities within New Zealand. The name is Maori, and means flowing water. To get a feel for the majesty of the area a quote from a residential pitch we think says it all:- Welcome to Amuri Estate Retreat near Waiau – This luxury boutique accommodation overlooking the beautiful high alpine basin at the foot of the Southern Alps. Our rural retreat takes in 360° of outstanding landscape. By day you will revel in the ever-changing panoramic views of majestic mountains, the braided Waiau River, and the surrounding sheep, deer and cattle stations. At night you will be dazzled by stars and enchanted by the twinkling lights of Hanmer Springs.’ The Waiau Museum is represented by the Jail and Presbyterian Church. A relaxation break is a must at Waiau.