Taihape

Taihape is a small rural town in the Rangitikei District, Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island. It lies on State Highway 1 and the North Island Main Trunk Railway, near the Rangitikei River and on the western edge of the central North Island hill country. The town serves surrounding farms and forestry operations and functions as a service and market centre for the region.

Historically, Taihape developed in the 19th century as European settlement expanded into the Rangitikei. The arrival of the railway and improved roads helped it grow as a hub for agriculture, transport, and timber processing. The community includes historic streetscapes and local facilities.

Taihape is known as the Gumboot Capital of New Zealand and hosts Gumboot Day, a festival that celebrates the town's identity. The town offers local museums, galleries, and rural-oriented businesses that reflect its agricultural setting and attract visitors exploring the Rangitīkei district.

Taihape is connected by road and rail, with public transport links to larger towns in the region.

Taihape provides educational facilities for residents, including primary and secondary schooling within local institutions.