Taihape
Get Real in Taihape
Home of the gumboot, gateway to adventure, and proudly one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most down-to-earth towns.
Celebrating the humble gumboot, Taihape is the northern gateway to the Rangitikei District, it is home to our iconic giant gumboot sculpture, made out of number eight wire, corrugated iron and good ol' kiwi ingenuity!
Whether you're stopping for a coffee, staying for the weekend or heading for the river, Taihape is well worth getting off the highway for.
Taihape is known for:
- The Giant Gumboot statue
- Gumboot Alley - See how far you can throw your gumboot!
- Outdoor adventure - White-water rafting, kayaking, horse trekking, and trout fishing are up the road and it's only 50min drive to Mount Ruapehu
Once a year this lively rural town honours the gumboot with is a dedicated Taihape Gumboot Day. Join in for a fun-filled day packed with laughter, entertainment, and classic kiwi charm.
Sure, you could grab a BP pie and keep driving. Or you could pull over, stretch your legs and discover what makes Taihape special. Locally owned shops, good food and great coffee. There's even an off-lead area for your four-legged travel companion.
Taihape Trivia
The famous New Zealand satirist John Clarke featured Taihape as the hometown for his iconic comedic character, Fred Dagg. Dagg was a stereotypical Kiwi farmer known for endlessly wearing gumboots, which permanently linked the town's rural identity to the boot.
Taihape local gumboot throwing records are held by Stuart McNie (48.65 meters for men) and nine-time champion Kristin Churchward (36.88 meters for women).
Planning a trip to Taihape?
