The last laugh: RANGITĪKEI

Gumboot festivals and punny townships, the good folk of Rangitīkei don’t 'tikei' themselves too seriously.

RANGITĪKEI RIVER

The clear waters and sheer white papa (mudstone) cliffs of the Rangitīkei River create the ideal setting for heart-pumping, white-water rafting. There are grade-5 rapids where the river plunges over a maze of boulders in a spectacular canyon.

TAIHAPE

Horse treks and river activities, as well as the draw of that huge, metal gumboot sculpture in Taihape, tempt visitors to linger here on their way to the ski fields and Tongariro National Park. If you are visiting in March, enjoy the annual Taihape Gumboot Festival and prepare to be dumbfounded by the number of activities based around the humble rubber boot. Stand back for the main event – the gumboot throwing championship. There’s a year-round throwing lane so be sure to have a go and take a selfie by the sign that reads: 'I threw a gumboot in Taihape.'

Saunter through the town’s showpiece gardens, take a bush walk, visit the museum or take a heritage tour. If you want thrills, try horse trekking, abseiling, kayaking, jet boating or go hunting.

Gumboot sculpture, Taihape © Getty Images

BULLS

Unforgett-a-bull Bulls is certainly'a town like no udder'. As well as a great choice of gift, antique and art shops, pubs and cafés, there are also humorous bull signs throughout the town – look out for the Const-a-bull (police station), the Cure-a bull (medical centre), the Forgive-a bull (church), the Relievea-bull (toilets) and the Read-a-bull(library).

Main Image: Rangitīkei Flats © Getty Images