Raetihi

Founded in 1893, Raetihi originally relied on the Whanganui River for access. Nearly 15 years later, the town was finally connected by road to Wanganui.

This friendly historic town has the oldest theatre in the southern hemisphere, the Theatre Royal, which now hosts the annual Waimarino Art Awards as well as many local stage productions. Raetihi is also a place to experience a wild kiwi encounter in the nearby Waimarino Forest.

A country market is held on the third Saturday of each month featuring locally crafted goods, hot food and locally roasted ‘Volcano’ coffee. Close to both the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, Raetihi is a handy base for hikers, kayakers and snow sport enthusiasts.