Taihape claims to be the ‘gumboot capital of New Zealand’. It takes this title seriously, hosting a gumboot festival every year. Certainly, gumboots are very useful in this agricultural and horticultural region.
If you have time to spare in Taihape, the town’s domain has a network of bush walks. Keen gardeners can enquire about visiting the area’s four showpiece gardens - Titoki, Rongoiti, Waitoka and Kiri Kiri. Local adventure activities include white-water rafting, abseiling, kayaking, jet boating and horse trekking. In winter, the ski fields of Mount Ruapehu are only a short drive away. Taihape has plenty of accommodation and a choice of eating places.