Tararua Region

Enjoy the best of rural New Zealand in the rugged Tararua region. The region stretches from the Ruahine and Tararua ranges to the shores of the Pacific to the East. The region has a whole multiptude of activities and attractions, no matter what the weather. Take time out to see rare New Zealand native birds at the Mt Bruce wildlife centre, visit the largest windfarm in the southern hemisphere, enjoy the paintings of the iconic New Zealand painter Gottfried Lindauer or simply relax in fron t of a roaring log fire at one of the many farmstays that dot the area.

Tararua Wind Farm

Dannevirke, a thiving town offers easy access to forest and mountain parks to the West and unsuprisingly is very popular with trampers. The picture theatre on the main road, lays claim to being the oldest one in New Zealand; Dannevirke also boasts one of the finest country golf courses around.

At the northern gateway to the area, Norsewood is a historic town with many attractions of its own. Originally settled in the 1870s by Scandanavians and other Northern Europeans, the town is built on this unique heritage which is well explained in the local museum. Other attractions include the Norsewear factory shop, a chees factory and numerous garden, antique and craft shops.

Woodville is dominated by the Tararua and Te Apiti Wind Farms on the nearby Tararua ranges. Located halfway between Wellington and Napier/Hastings, the town is a popular stopover, although many visitors choose to stay in the wide range of local accommodation. The town has numerous antique and craft shops and also boasts a replica of Gottfried Lindauer’s studio.

Pahiatua is a pretty town with large gardens and is a popular stopover. The local rivers are renowned for brown trout and the local bush makes for excellent tramping and hunting.

Eketahuna is situated in the shadows of the Tararua ranges and was built in the heart of the forest by Scandanavian pioneers. The local 18 hole golf course is very picturesque and is popular with locals and vistors alike. Other attractions include the Mt Bruce wildlife reserve (12Kms to the south), woodcraft shops and Cwmglyn farm and Middleton model railway.