Taihape: Gumboot Day and Gumboot Art

With its annual Gumboot Day, an oversized gumboot sculpture and distinctive architectural history, Taihape offers several unusual points of interest. These include historic buildings that are not open to the public. If you’re looking for a holiday home, first consider whether gumboot traditions and Taihape’s architectural history, or other nature and leisure activities in the Rangitikei District, will shape your trip.

Gumboot Day: Taihape’s annual festival

Gumboot Day is held in Taihape every year and was first held in 1985. The festival includes a market, food and craft stalls, and live music throughout the day. Its annual schedule and inaugural year give the event a clear timeframe. Details may change from year to year, so check the dates and programme for the relevant year when planning your trip.

Gumboots as an art motif

A striking, giant gumboot sculpture in Taihape is made from number 8 wire and corrugated iron. The work combines a familiar motif with an unusual choice of materials. Gumboot Alley is also dedicated to gumboot throwing. In Taihape, you’ll encounter the gumboot theme both as a sculpture and in connection with an activity.

Architectural history with clear access restrictions

Today’s 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 in Taihape is a significant example of the work of Wellington architectural firm Clere and Swan; the church is also not open to the public.

The two buildings offer different historical perspectives: for the theatre, the opening and name change are the defining dates; for the church, it is its architectural connection. Their histories can therefore be understood without visiting the interiors.

More experiences in the Rangitikei District

In the Rangitikei District, Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary near Taihape offers a three-hour walk to Seke’s Hut. The route passes through forest and stands of mountain cedar, also known as kaikawaka, and offers views of the plateau landscape and Ruapehu. The hut has four bunks. For comparison when planning your time, McPherson’s Bush near Hunterville has three walks with walking times of 10 minutes, 30 minutes and one hour: these shorter options of varying lengths contrast with the three hours to Seke’s Hut.

In the Rangitikei District, Bruce Park near Hunterville is a Kiwi Guardians site where children can earn a Kiwi Guardians medal. An easy walk there passes through a remnant of podocarp and broadleaf forest. Mangaweka Scenic Reserve offers a short loop walk for children, with views across the terraces of the Rangitīkei River. This gives you a range of nature experiences in the region: a forest walk, an opportunity for children to earn a medal, and a short loop walk with river views.

In the Rangitikei District, visitors can use Dudding Lake near Marton during the day. A two-kilometre path circles the lake; possible activities include swimming, boating, jet skiing and water skiing. Check current operating conditions before your visit. The Wear-a-Bull Arts Event in Bulls is an annual art and fashion show celebrating local artistic expression, creativity and craftsmanship. For specific trip planning, it’s worth checking the event dates.

The Rangitīkei Information Centres in Bulls, Marton and Taihape provide local and regional information for visitors and residents. They handle bookings for trains, buses and ferries, as well as accommodation, attractions and activities; souvenirs, maps and public toilets are also available there. These centres provide places to get practical travel information in the Rangitikei District.

Choosing the right place to stay

When looking for a holiday home, it helps to distinguish between Taihape and the wider Rangitikei District. Taihape focuses on Gumboot Day, gumboot art and architectural history; the other examples mentioned are regional attractions at their respective locations. Choose where to stay based on which destinations will shape your trip, and look for options in the specific place you want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Hunterville.

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