Eketahuna

EKETAHUNA ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Eketahuna Information | Eketahuna Photos | Eketahuna Postcards

Eketahuna is a friendly rural service town, in the northern Wairarapa of the North Island, New Zealand. It is located at the foot of the Tararua Ranges and is 35 kilometres north of Masterton and south of Palmerston North.

The early pioneers who were 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.

Visitors will enjoy many aspects of this small town such as the museum, a striking golf course, a cafe and a few arts and craft shops. There is also hunting and bush walking tracks that are in close reach. New Zealand's Largest Kiwi stands tall to welcome you to this quaint country town of Eketahuna which is also a great sight to see especially close up. Eketahuna is a popular sheep and dairy farming area and also recognised for deer farming and horse breeding.

Eketahuna History

Sir Julius Vogel's Immigration and Public Works Act of 1870 which initiated a new wave of colonisation initiated the arrivals to Eketahuna. Around 7,500 new arrivals, landed in New Zealand by the middle of 1873. Vogel's idea was essentially to open up the hinterland of the country by the clearing of the bush, and the building of new roads, bridges and railways.

Other Towns in the Wairarapa Region