Eketāhuna

Eketāhuna was settled by pioneers from Sweden, Norway and Germany who named the small township 'Mellemskov' which translated means 'Heart of the Forest'. They arrived from Wellington and cleared an area in the Seventy Mile Bush, leaving a clearing that is now the township of Eketāhuna.

Eketāhuna was named by the local Maori and when translated means "to run aground on a sandbank". Eketāhuna is the southern gateway to the Tararua region, 42 kms north of Masterton and 65km south east of Palmerston North. Nestled in the shadows of the beautiful Tararua Ranges, Eketāhuna is great for a relaxing escape or an outdoor break fishing, hunting or tramping.

Eketāhuna is a small, friendly country town in beautiful natural surroundings, free of city pollution. The peaceful rural atmosphere makes for a great place to live. The local taverns are renowned for their country hospitality and well worth a visit, whether staying over or just passing through. Eketāhuna is famous for producing fine quality woodcraft and carpentry which is available to buy, or made to order through the many outlets in the town.

If you're keen on golf, why not try a round of golf at the Eketāhuna Golf Course. The locals say it's the best summer golf course south of the Black Stump!

The National Wildlife Centre, just minutes away at Mt Bruce, is one of Eketāhuna's more popular visitor attractions.

3D Art Work
Local artist Mark Watson has created a 3D artwork that takes over the Chorus building and features flora and fauna that is native to New Zealand. The artwork was a finalist in the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards and is worth having a look at.

The 3D glasses are available at the Eketāhuna Information Centre, which is next to the Chorus building.

Kaiparoro's Anzac Bridge
Eketahuna has its Hall and Fire Tower, Nireaha its Library and Kaiparoro its bridge. All are war memorials built at a time, shortly after the Great War, when it was customary throughout the country to erect statue-type monuments. However, 1920s were tough and there was no spare cash to spend on ornaments, those who went to the front were not to be forgotten. The concrete arch-type ANZAC Bridge, which can still be seen at Kaiparoro on State Highway 2, just north of Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, was designed and built by Alfred Falkener. The bridge was opened on Friday 1 December 1922.

For further information:
Phone: 06 375 8545 or 0800 TARARUA (827 278)
Email: eketahunakiwicountry@xtra.co.nz