Dannevirke - Tararua

Dannevirke is the administrative centre for the Tararua District. The town’s name derives from Scandinanvian settlers who arrived in the 1870’s to engage in the clearing of the then 70 mile bush. Prior to this the area of the Tararua down to Wairarapa was covered in the largest podocarp forest in the world. Being the service town for the district, it has all the facilities one may require. If you wish to experience true Kiwi hospitality here is a good place to start. For those on the road with their canine friends a rare Pet Friendly dog park is provided at the Wahipai Reserve which is located on the side of SH2 as one enters from Hawke’s Bay. Look out for the large viking sign welcoming you to town.