Taihape: Gumboot Day and local history

Taihape combines an annual event with distinctive features of its local history and architecture. Gumboot Day is part of the local scene, as is the giant gumboot sculpture; historic buildings tell the story of Taihape’s theatre and church history. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the event date and access to the historic sites separately.

Gumboot Day and local highlights

Gumboot Day takes place every year in Taihape and was first held in 1985. The festival includes a market, food and craft stalls, and live music throughout the day. Individual programme details may vary from year to year.

The striking giant gumboot sculpture is made from number 8 wire and corrugated iron. Gumboot Alley is also associated with gumboot throwing.

History and access

Taihape’s present-day Majestic Theatre opened as the Kings Theatre in 1917 and was renamed the Majestic Theatre in 1929; it is not open to the public. St Margaret’s Church is also not open to the public and is considered an important example of the work of Wellington architectural firm Clere and Swan. The historic associations are different: for the theatre, the focus is on its opening and change of name; for the church, it is the architectural work of the Wellington firm.

In the Rangitikei District

In the Rangitikei District, Bulls offers a different event focus with its annual Wear-a-Bull Arts Event. The art and fashion show celebrates local artistic expression, creativity and craftsmanship. This lets you distinguish between Gumboot Day in Taihape and an event focused on art and fashion in Bulls.

The Rangitīkei Information Centres in Bulls, Marton and Taihape provide local and regional information for visitors and residents. They can also book train, bus and ferry travel, as well as accommodation, attractions and activities; souvenirs, maps and public toilets are also available.

The walks described also differ in the time they take: the Marton Memorial Park Walkway is a loop behind Marton Memorial Park and takes about 20 minutes. In Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary, a three-hour track leads to Seke’s Hut, which has four sleeping places. It passes through forest and stands of mountain cedar (kaikawaka), with views of the plateau landscape and Ruapehu. In the Rangitikei District, McPherson’s Bush near Hunterville has three walks taking 10 minutes, 30 minutes and one hour. Pryce’s Rahui Reserve near Hunterville also has three walks; each takes between 20 minutes and an hour, and together they take 1.5 to 2 hours. For comparison, the three-hour walk to Seke’s Hut is longer than the combined walking time at Pryce’s Rahui Reserve.

Mangaweka Bridge was built in 1904 as a road bridge over the Rangitīkei River. It is described as New Zealand’s only remaining cantilever road bridge.

Discover more destinations: Hunterville

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