Taihape Activities You Can’t Miss
Seeing the giant gumboot sculpture at the entrance to Taihape is a memorable part of any road trip around the North Island! But did you know there’s a lot more to explore in the Taihape area?! Taihape is not only known as the “Gumboot Capital of New Zealand”, but it’s also a fantastic base for walks, white water rafting, horse trekking and fishing! The classic rural country town has so much to offer, so if you want to make the most of it while you’re travelling on New Zealand’s main highway through the country, State Highway 1, then make sure you check out these 7 things to do in Taihape!
Taihape is not the only town worth stopping by in this interesting rural area of the North Island. Stop by these nearby towns and see what hidden gems there are to uncover:
1. Have a Gumboot Throwing Competition
Where else in the world has a gumboot throwing lane?! For a truly unique thing to do in Taihape, challenge your mates to a gumboot throwing competition. Whoever can launch their gumboots the furthest wins! There are gumboots already at the gumboot lane so all you need is yourself and a sense of fun. Why throw gumboots? It’s a fierce competition on Taihape’s annual Gumboot Day.
Location: On the road between Kiwi Street and Robin Street, across from the railway station.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Get a Photo with the Giant Gumboot
This is the last we’ll mention gumboots, we swear. But another must-do activity in the Gumboot Capital is to take a photo with the giant gumboot sculpture made of corrugated iron. You can find it at the northern entrance to the town alongside State Highway 1. For more funny sculptures to see around the country, check out 22 BIG Things in New Zealand.
Location: 18/40 State Highway 1.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Walk Up Mt Stewart
This 10-minute climb to the top of Mt Stewart takes you through a small tract of forest before reaching a viewing platform. Enjoy views of the town, surrounding countryside, and even Mt Ruapehu on a clear day!
Location: Start the walk behind the Giant Gumboot, 18/40 State Highway 1.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Visit the Taihape Museum
See early settler artefacts from Taihape and the surrounding area in the Taihape & Districts Historical and Museum Society (catchy name!). Check out relics from Taihape’s original stores and services within this collection of interesting antiques!
Location: 14 Huia Street.
© Pxhere5. Horse Trek or Go Rafting at River Valley
Taihape is the closest town to one of the best adventure lodges in the North Island. Choose from grade 4 white water rafting on the Rangitikei River, horse trekking on majestic hills, or just relaxing at the lodge complete with bar and restaurant. For more places to try white water rafting, see 7 Places to go White Water Rafting in New Zealand.
Location: 31km (19 miles) from Taihape. Mangahoata Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Visit the National Army Museum
Whether you’re interested in New Zealand’s war history or not, this museum is packed with stories, historic wat memorabilia and tanks that are sure to impress anyone! Learn about New Zealand legends from the early Maori wars to New Zealand’s influence in the World Wars and more!
Location: 28.5km (18 miles) from Taihape. State Highway 1, Waiouru.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Go Fishing at the Tarata Fishaway Lodge
Hidden in the valley of the Rangitikei River, this wilderness retreat lodge is a great base for guided fishing trips, guided raft fishing, scenic raft trips and more! Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for adventure, a couple looking for a getaway, or a family trip, the Tarata Fishaway can provide the best experience for you.
Location: 27km (17 miles) from Taihape. 925 Mokai Road, RD3.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore Things to Do Near Taihape
- 6 Fun Things to Do in Mangaweka
- 26 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North
- 14 Things to Do in the Pohagina Valley
That’s it for the best things to do in Taihape. For more activities on your travels, check out the 51 Best Things to Do in the North Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Manawatū & Palmerston North (Regional tourism website)
- Palmerston North City Council (Local council website)
- Manawatu District Council (Local council website)
- Horizons Regional Council (Local council website)
- Horowhenua District Council (Local council website)
- Visit Rangitīkei (Regional tourism website)
- Rangitīkei District Council (Local council website)
- Tararua.com (Regional tourism website)
- Tararua District Council (Local council website)
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