Tucked between Taupō and Wellington on State Highway 1, Hunterville is a small rural town with a big heart and rich history.
Established in 1884, the village is named after George Hunter, who walked all the way from Wellington and claimed the spot with a peg. Today, it's home to around 430 people, many of whom still work the same land their ancestors settled generations ago. Hunterville is known for its deep farming roots and friendly locals.
The town has two historic pubs, both pouring since 1885. The Argyle Hotel on the corner of SH1 and Bruce Street burned down twice and came back both times, rebuilt in Art Deco style after the 1947 fire. When it fell quiet a few years back, a team of locals banded together to buy it, reopening it in 2025 as a community hub with a cafe, garden bar and local shops. Just off the main drag, the Station Hotel has welcomed farmers, shearers and travellers since the railway days. Its rooms are named after nearby stations, and its Woolshed bar is filled with donated shearing memorabilia from across the district. Order a cold one and you'll likely end up yarning with a local.
Don't forget a photo with the Huntaway dog statue on SH1, a nod to Hunterville's title as the Huntaway Capital of the World, or the playful sheep sculptures on Bruce Street. And if you've got time up your sleeve, the Rangatira Golf Club just out of town is built on three levels above the Rangitīkei River, complete with its very own cable car.
It's a town full of character, charm, and community spirit. Well worth a visit.
