ATTRACTIONS IN HISTORIC RAETIHI

Our fabulous Waimarino Settlers museum is a must see and with the exception of the Waiouru war museum, is the only museum for 100 km. in any direction. The Waimarino museum is housed in the old Raetihi railway station. This building was decomissioned when the rail line to Raetihi was taken out of service in 1968. Other buildings on the grounds are the old jail cells and police stables. They are full of memorabilia from times long gone and each building still retains it's original flavour.

The railway station building is the main area of display for photographs, news clippings, household and work items and many other treasures from the Ruapehu district's colourful past

Our theatre which has been extensively restored is supposedly the oldest purpose built theatre in the southern Hemisphere. Named "The Royal", it was built in 1912 and is a listed heritage building. It is open to the public so come and have a peep.

A number of major films have based in Raetihi. They were all here for the scenery and the untouched small town which is Raetihi. Smash Palace, Lord of the Rings, Without a Paddle (starring Burt Reynolds) and River Queen (starring Kiefer Sutherland) are a few.

Summer on Mt. Ruapehu is like visiting the surface of the moon. Ruggedly beautiful, the vista of the surrounding countryside are a camera mans dream. There is so much to see or do in Raetihi that we bill it as "A Place For All Seasons”