The correct form of the name is thought to be the Māori word Putaaruru – "To come forth like a ruru (native owl)"; sometimes given as 'Home of the Owl'.
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State Highway 1 and the Kinleith Branch railway run through the town.
The nearby Blue Spring is the current source of about 60% of New Zealand's bottled water.
Putaruru's main shopping street is Princes street and has a collection of Chemists, Hairdressers, Banks, retail stores, Bakery's, Butcher Shop, Pub, Video store, Mr Wong's Fish and chips and Pause Cafe.