Taihape
Taihape is affectionately known as the ‘Gumboot Capital of the World’, a nod to the gumboot throwing competition and festivities held here every March. Taihape is closely linked to the farming community surrounding it, but also the Rangitikei River that runs nearby. The River provides the adventurous traveller plenty of opportunity to get the adrenalin pumping, or if a more sedate adventure is what you’re after the river is also great for trout fishing. The township of Taihape also offers many great cafes, to recharge your energy levels before driving to your next destination.
Grade 5 Half Day White Water Rafting
Often recognised as one of the top half day Grade 5 Rafting Trips in the world, your trip on the Rangitikei starts off easier, with sections of fun Grade 2 and Grade 3 rapids, great practice for what lies ahead! Over a two to three hour period, and 12 kms of river, you will experience rapids that start at that easy end, and culminate in the gorge, a section of the river where 10 major rapids, from Grade 3+ to Grade 5, line up one after the other to thrill and excite you. Some of these rapids are short and sharp, while others carry on for several hundred meters.