Kakahi: Glowworms, Rivers and Culture

Discover Kakahi through its varied natural and cultural connections: glowworms along a steep river landscape, fishing access on two rivers and a marae with named Māori connections each offer a different perspective. The Kakahi General Store is another distinctive local feature. When planning your trip, you could start by deciding whether to focus mainly on nature, fishing or cultural connections.

Glowworms on steep slopes

The Kakahi Glowworms are at Kakahi Domain Cutting, which descends towards the Whanganui River. The area has extensive glowworm colonies on steep slopes; here, Te Rena Road runs along the hillside for about 500 metres. The Kakahi Glowworms are a free attraction. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Rivers and fishing access

Kakahi is close to the Whakapapa River, which flows into the Whanganui River. Both rivers also have specific local connections for anglers: access to the lower reaches of the Whakapapa River is via the end of Te Rena Road near Kakahi village; the Whanganui River can be accessed via Ako Street. Check local conditions and permits before fishing.

Cultural affiliations and local history

Kākahi marae is on Ako Street in Kakahi, about 20 km east of Taumarunui. It belongs to the hapū Ngāti Manunui of the iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa and is connected through ancestral ties to the waka Te Arawa. Alongside its natural attractions, these affiliations give Kakahi a distinctive cultural dimension. The Kakahi General Store is another notable local feature: it is one of the few remaining shops of its kind in New Zealand.

Kakahi in the wider Ruapehu District

The wider destination of the Ruapehu District opens up a broader landscape. The district includes the western half of Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage site, as well as part of Whanganui National Park. Most of Mount Ruapehu is also within the Ruapehu District. The active volcano is characterised by alpine terrain and a crater lake at its summit.

There are two isite visitor information centres in the Ruapehu District, in Taumarunui and Ohakune. They offer expert local knowledge and free, impartial travel advice. The Timber Trail in the Ruapehu District also follows the historic Ongarue timber tramway. Its large suspension bridges give the trail a distinctive scale: the longest is 141 metres long and 55 metres high.

Choose accommodation to suit your itinerary

Choose a hotel or other accommodation based on how far you would like to travel, and check the location of each option against the places you plan to visit. This lets you consider local experiences and a broader regional stay as separate planning options.

Discover more destinations: Ohakune, Taumarunui, Owhango, Retaruke, Matiere, Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa Village, Raetihi.

Go to the wider travel overview: Ruapehu District.