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Pirongia is not only home to an eponymous Forest Park and towering extinct volcano, it also boasts a tight-knit town atmosphere with historic buildings and old frontier charm. When you take a medical job in New Zealand, you can head to this cozy town and check out the scenic wildlife as well as the welcoming community in the heart of Waikato on the North Island.
The village of Pirongia is also rising as a creative hub, with monthly markets held at the town Memorial Hall and feature vendors such as Rustic N Wrapt, a hand-forged jewelry shop; Pirongia Bacon Company; and artisan Anne Kingscott, who crafts candle holders out of vases and old teacups for scented soy candles.
For lunch, don't miss out on the Persimmon Tree Cafe, a clear favorite among locals who call the base of Mount Pirongia their home. You can come for breakfast, lunch or an evening meal on Saturdays, when the picturesque establishment is open from 6 p.m. until late. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, so diners with even the most selective preferences will have something tasty to enjoy.