Turakina

Turakina Beach Market Day.

Koitiata Community Centre from 9am.  Crafts, Jewellery, Clothes, Books, Toys, Sweets, Preserves, Cakes, Plants and other great bargains!  Have a late breakfast or morning tea or early lunch...tea & scones?  or try the hot chips and a sizzling sausage!

Celebrating All things Scottish! The Turakina Caledonian Society promotes and encourages all aspects of Scottish culture primarily through an annual National Caledonian Sports gathering held at the Turakina Domain as well as other smaller events held throughout the year.  
Contact: Heather Calkin, Secretary
Email: info@turakinahighlandgames.co.nz
Web: http://www.turakinahighlandgames.co.nz

New Zealand's oldest on-land sporting event

The first 'Turakina Highland Games' were held in 1864 and are New Zealand's oldest on-land sporting event.  2014 brings the 150th Anniversary of the'Games'.  A truly international event, celebrations will be held over two days.
Contact: Heather Calkin, Secretary 06 327 6130 or 027 665 6238
Contact: Debbie Benton 06 327 3737
www.turakinahighlandgames.co.nz

Maori maintain a deeply spiritual connection with the land of the Rangitikei district, which is enriched by the Maori culture of four distinct tribal collectives. The distant headwaters and hinterlands of the Rangitikei River form the homelands of the confederated hapu of Mokai Patea, in pre-European times the lower Rangitikei River carried canoe traffic, and an important Maori walking track followed the river valley. Marae (meeting places) throughout the region remain the cultural focal points for continuation of Maori customs and language.

The region’s beauty and mystery gives the inspiration for the painting, sculpture and craft of its people, and has given rise to individual galleries and the development of Mangaweka as a renowned art centre. Appreciate the talent of the artists, glass casters, photographers and craftsmen; enjoy the special exhibitions.

8 Power sites, toilets, dumpsite, washing machine, hot shower. Nearest shops in Turakina (10 min drive). Beach accessible by 4WD only of is a 10 min walk over sand dunes.
16 Rapaki Street, Koitiata
Ph: 06 327 3770
Web: www.rangitikei.govt.nz

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Turakina is a rural New Zealand village steeped in history.  The area was home to Ngati Apa and the first Eurpoean settlers were predominantly Scottish.  At one time the village was called Leithbridge and had its own town board.

Many of the original European buildings have now gone from the village but several early cottages, the old coachouse and 2 lovely old churches remain.  On the road to Koitiata is the Tini Wiatara marae.  The first children’s health camp in New Zealand was on the Leithbridge farm on the Turakina Valley Road.