Welcome To Taihape. North Is. New Zealand.
S 39° 40.040 E 175° 47.240
60H E 395985 N 5608461
Welcome To Taihape....Gumboot Capital of the World!
Waymark Code: WMBFJC
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 05/15/2011
Views: 2
Taihape is a country farming town located on the main trunk railway line in the central North Island on State Highway One. Their icon is the good old humble but hard working Gumboot.
Every March the town holds its famous Gumboot Day for locals and visitors with Gumboot throwing competitions, good music, great stalls, and fun entertainment for the whole family.
Taihape lies in a region full of adventure activities, a thrilling bungy jump, bridge swing, flying fox ride at Mokai Gravity Canyon, trout fishing, horse treks, walking tracks, white water rafting, scenic rafting and winter skiing not too far up the road at Mt Ruapehu. It sometimes even snows on the Taihape hills during winter storms and even closes the main highway.
The main highway travels through the centre of town providing all the essential services for travelers, eating places, Fast Foods and cafes and Fuel Service Stations, as well as a good selection of shops.
The town has chosen its iconic Welcome sign shaped like a gumboot and even has its own colourful sculpture, the famous giant Corrugated iron Gumboot sculptured by Jeff Thompson, providing a favourite photo opportunity. Everywhere there are signs featuring NZ's popular working footwear, the gumboot, indicating this lively little town truly is the Gumboot capital of the world.
Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit - something more than, "Drove past this today." You are encouraged to add a new photo, but this is not mandatory. If you can add any further information about the sign or community, that would be appreciated.