Overview
Rakau is a small rural community located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island. The town is situated in a valley surrounded by farmland, with the Kaimai Range visible in the distance. Rakau is known for its peaceful atmosphere, friendly community and proximity to natural attractions such as beaches and national parks.
Rakau Details | |
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Location | Rakau |
Region | Wellington |
District Council | South Wairarapa District |
Sub-District | South Wairarapa District |
Postal Code: | - |
Current Time: | 04:54 PM |
Date: | Thursday, July 10, 2025(NZST) |
Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
Elevation / Altitude | 53.61 meters. Above Seal level |
Latitude | -41.0795 |
Longitude | 175.8708 |
DMS Lat | -42° 55' 13.7707'' |
DMS Long | 175° 52' 14.8937'' |
History
Rakau has a rich cultural history, with the area being traditionally inhabited by the Māori people for centuries before the arrival of European settlers. The town was established in the 19th century and was originally a stopover point for travelers between Tauranga and Matamata. Today, Rakau remains a hub for agriculture and small businesses catering to visitors to the area.
Geography
Rakau is situated in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The town is located approximately 30 kilometers from Tauranga and 20 kilometers from the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, which is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities. The nearby coast offers visitors access to stunning beaches and opportunities for fishing and water sports.
Rakau is located at latitude -41.07950813 and longitude 175.87080380 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -42° 55' 13.7707'' and longitude 175° 52' 14.8937'' (DMS).
Below is map of Rakau
Demographics
Rakau has a small population of approximately 500 people, with the majority of residents being involved in agriculture or small businesses catering to visitors. The community is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with visitors often commenting on the warm hospitality they receive during their stay in Rakau.
Climate
The climate in Rakau is temperate, with warm summers and cool winters. The area receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms during the summer months. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions when visiting Rakau.
Rakau Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Rakau Live Weather
Light rain
Humidity: 97%
Wind: 2.56 mt/sec towards NE
observed on 10 Jul 2025 06:00
Rakau Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
11.68°C to 11.68°C
Light rain
12.58°C to 12.58°C
Moderate rain
12.64°C to 12.64°C
Light rain
12.49°C to 12.49°C
Light rain
12.55°C to 12.55°C
Light rain
13.35°C to 13.35°C
Overcast clouds
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Rakau is home to several popular tourist attractions, including the Mount Maunganui Beach, the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park and the McLaren Falls Park. The Mount Maunganui Beach is a stunning sandy beach with excellent surfing and swimming opportunities. The Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is a vast area of native forest with hiking trails, waterfalls and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. McLaren Falls Park is a popular destination for picnics and barbecues, with beautiful gardens, lakes and wildlife.
Economy
Agriculture is the main industry in Rakau, with dairy farming and sheep farming being common activities. The town also benefits from tourism, with many small businesses catering to visitors to the area. The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of Rakau make it a popular destination for visitors seeking a relaxing rural getaway or outdoor activities.
Nearby Schools
Sr. No. | School Name |
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1 | Gladstone School (Masterton) |
2 | Ko Te Aroha |
3 | Wairarapa Teen Parent Unit |
4 | Te Kōhanga Reo o Hinetearorangi |
5 | Te Kōhanga Reo o Wāhi Reka |
Nearby Towns and Cities
Popular Towns and Cities | |
---|---|
Gundadu | Motukai Road, Ngaumu |
Motumatai, Wellington | Ngaumu Road, Ngaumu |
Parimu Stream | Pariroa, Wellington |
Pukekowhai, Wellington | Rakau |
Te Maipa | Te Maipi |