Raetihi

RAETIHI ACCOMMODATION | Raetihi Hostels

RAETIHI ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Raetihi Information

Raetihi is a historic town in the central North Island of New Zealand. It is located 11 kilometres west of Ohakune.

Raetihi is a great place to visit if you enjoy fresh air, star gazing, hunting, fishing, bird watching, fungi, community spirit, volcanoes, rivers, snow, sun, dual world heritage listed national parks, good coffee, art, theatre, history, mountain biking, tramping, walking, hiking and relaxing.

Must-see places within Raetihi are Raetihi's Royal Theatre which is the oldest theatre in the Southern Hemisphere and The Waimarino Museum where you learn about the towns past, present and future. Escape the village and take a serene walk along the Makotuku River Track or when evening hits wander down to Raetihi's very own Glow Worm Grotto.

In the close by Waimarino Forest you can attempt to find a kiwi and Raetihi is a great base for hikers, kayakers and sport enthusiasts because it's so close to Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks.

As well as the theatre and museum, Raetihi's main street is a full of heirloom buildings, some of which date back to before the massive fire of 1918.

Raetihi History

Founded in 1893, Raetihi originally relied on the Whanganui River for access. Nearly 15 years later, the town finally connected by road to Wanganui. The great fire of 1918 was a terrible setback to many businesses and residents in Raetihi. The loss of numerous mills slowed the timber industry but it continued successfully into the 1940s.

Other Towns in the Ruapehu Region