Discover Kakahi

Explore Kakahi through its natural attractions, river access, and cultural connections. Specific local highlights include Kakahi Glowworms and fishing access on two different rivers. Kākahi marae adds a distinct cultural dimension. For planning, it helps to distinguish between the two river access points.

Nature and Rivers in Kakahi

Kakahi Glowworms are at Kakahi Domain Cutting, which descends to the Whanganui River. There are extensive glowworm colonies on steep banks, and Te Rena Road runs along the hillside for about 500 metres. The glowworms are a free attraction. Check current access before visiting.

The Whakapapa River is close to Kākahi and flows into the Whanganui River. Access to the lower reaches of the Whakapapa River for fishing is from the end of Te Rena Road near the village of Kākahi. To fish the Whanganui River, access from Kākahi is via Ako Street. Plan according to which river you want to fish, and check local conditions and applicable permits.

Cultural Connections in the Area

Kākahi marae is on Ako Street in Kākahi, about 20 km east of Taumarunui. It belongs to the hapū Ngāti Manunui of the iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa; its ancestral connection is to the waka Te Arawa. Kakahi General Store is one of the few remaining shops of its kind in New Zealand. The marae reflects cultural affiliations, while the store offers a different connection to the area as a rare surviving shop.

Regional Overview: Ruapehu District

The western half of Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage site, is in Ruapehu District; part of Whanganui National Park is also in the district. Most of Mount Ruapehu is in Ruapehu District as well. Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano with remarkable alpine terrain crowned by a crater lake at its summit.

Other regional highlights include history and trails: the historic Raurimu Spiral is in Ruapehu District on the North Island Main Trunk Railway Line. The National Army Museum is in Waiouru. The Timber Trail follows the historic Ongarue timber tramway and includes large suspension bridges; the longest is 141 metres long and 55 metres high.

Taumarunui is in Ruapehu District and provides access to Tongariro National Park, Whanganui National Park, and Pureora Timber Trail. For travel information in Ruapehu District, there are two i-SITE visitor information centres: one in Taumarunui and one in Ohakune. They offer expert local knowledge and free, impartial travel advice. These centres are a useful starting point if you want to explore other destinations within the district.

Discover more destinations: Retaruke, Erua, Raurimu, Matiere, Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa Village, Owhango, Ohakune

For the broader travel overview: Ruapehu District.