Taihape Motels - Location

29km south of Waiouru on SH 1.

Internationally recognised as the Gumboot Throwing Capital of New Zealand, Taihape is a quaint town nestled at the northern end of the Rangitikei region.

Distances

Waiouru – 29km
Ohakune – 56km
Palmerston North – 101km
Whanganui – 109km
Taupo – 141km
Hastings – 144km
Napier – 153km
Masterton – 191km
Rotorua – 222km
Wellington – 230km
New Plymouth – 268km

Useful Information

The town of Taihape lies near the confluence of the Hautapu and Rangitikei rivers, about 500m above sea level. Sheltered within a valley amidst the high-country of the Central North Island, Taihape is close to the Ruahine Range, on State Highway 1. It is surrounded by fertile high country ideal for sheep and deer farming and its location close to the mountains, rivers and lakes has made it an important service hub for hunting and outdoor tourism.

Taihape Activities

A "halfway to everywhere" point, Taihape is often packed with travellers heading up to the ski fields and Tongariro National Park. Holidaymakers stop in Taihape too – the laidback lifestyle and range of adventure activities make the town an excellent weekend getaway destination.

The Rangitikei River is particularly well known for its heart-pumping white-water rafting; grade 5 rapids are found just east of Taihape at Pukeokahu, where the river descends through a maze of boulders in a spectacular canyon. But be warned – only experienced rafters should venture into this part of the river.

For something a little less daunting, visit one of Taihape's immaculate gardens or try gumboot throwing on the permanent throwing lane (operates on selected days). Other options include bungy jumping, the Flying Fox, kayaking, fishing, hunting and heritage tours.

Mount Stewart Reserve

There is an amazing view from the top of the reserve from the Tower which was built by volunteers in 2017. The view encapsulates scenic vistas of Mt Ruapehu, the Ruahine Range and the township.

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Taihape Museum

The collections concentrate mainly local history. Farming, saw milling and the railway all played a large part in Taihape's history and this is reflected in the displays and extensive photograph collection.

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River Valley Adventures

River Valley is all about rafts and horses. In fact 3 generations (since 1982) of guides have brought adventures based around river rafting and horseback riding to the general public. Rafting ranges in duration from half-day Grade 5 trips on the Rangitikei River – often called one of the world's top half-day Grade 5 trips – to gentle floats in the midst of spectacular scenery on our scenic rafting trips. The core of the River Valley Stables riding experience is the natural horse training techniques used to train our horses. This produces horses that are responsive and happy. All riding takes place over the beautiful hill country of this area – the northern Rangitikei.

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Taihape Swim Centre

Taihape Swim Centre is a community pool. Providing recreational swimming and swimming education to the upper Rangitikei area. There's a fabulous children's playground outside the swimming centre at Memorial Park.

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