Eketahuna is a friendly rural town nestled in the shadow of the Tararua Ranges. The early pioneers - Swedes, English, Norwegians and Germans – originally named the town Mellemskov. This name was eventually discarded in favour of ‘Eketahuna’, a Maori word which means to run around on a sandbank (this name originated because Maori canoes could not paddle beyond this part of the Makakahi River).
A sheep and dairy farming area, Eketahuna is also known for deer farming and horse breeding. The town has a museum, a picturesque golf course, a café and a couple of craft shops. There are hunting and bush walking opportunities close by.