Hunterville: Huntaway Tradition, Architecture and Nature

Hunterville brings together the tradition of the Huntaway working dog, distinctive architecture, an annual festival and walking trails with a range of durations. This makes it easy to plan your stay around culture, nature or a specific event date.

Huntaway Tradition and Festival

Hunterville celebrates the Huntaway working dog and its role in sheep farming in the hill country of the Rangitīkei region. A Huntaway statue in Queens Park commemorates the breed and the town’s farming heritage. The Hunterville Huntaway Festival has been held annually in Hunterville since 1998, towards the end of October. It is led by the Shepherds’ Shemozzle and also includes other races and competitions. If you are travelling for the festival, check the specific event dates before your trip.

Architecture and Local History

The former Hunterville Post Office was completed in 1903 and is an outstanding example of public architecture in the Edwardian Baroque style. This design is rare among Hunterville’s public buildings, and the building also stands out as a dominant feature of the townscape. It offers an architectural counterpoint to the agricultural Huntaway tradition.

The Hunterville Settlers Museum is housed in the former courthouse on State Highway 1. Its small collection of local buildings includes a barn, a blacksmith’s workshop and Roper Cottage. The sheep sculptures on Bruce Street are also part of the townscape and make a good photo stop.

Walking Trails and Nature Experiences

Walking times provide a practical guide for planning your day: McPherson's's Bush has three trails, taking 10 minutes, 30 minutes and one hour. Pryce's Rahui Reserve also has three trails, with walking times ranging from 20 minutes to one hour. The shortest listed walk is in McPherson's's Bush; both reserves also have a one-hour walk. Nearby, Laird's Reserve is in the Turakina Valley, 10 kilometres west of Hunterville on Mangahoe Road. A one-hour loop walk leads through the reserve.

At Bruce Park, just south of Hunterville, an easy figure-eight loop walk is suitable even for young children. Free, family-friendly Kiwi Guardians treasure-hunt activities add to the experience. On the Bruce Park Loop Track, about five kilometres south of Hunterville, you can spot Kererū, Tūī, Bellbird and Fantails; with a little luck, you may also see long-tailed bats. Hunterville Domain is on Paraekaretu Street and has a swimming pool. Check facility details before visiting.

More Experiences in the Rangitikei District

The wider Rangitikei District offers other independent destinations with different themes and time commitments. Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary near Taihape has a three-hour walk to Seke's Hut, which has four sleeping spaces. The trail passes through forest and stands of mountain cedar (kaikawaka), with views of the plateau landscape and Ruapehu.

Mangaweka Bridge is another notable structure in the Rangitikei District: built in 1904 as a road bridge over the Rangitīkei River, it is described as New Zealand’s only remaining cantilever road bridge. These regional additions can be considered as separate destinations when planning a trip, alongside Hunterville’s Huntaway culture and local trails.

Discover more destinations: Taihape.

Go to the wider travel overview: Rangitikei District.