PUKEOKAHU SCHOOL – THE DISTRICT
Pukeokahu translates to Hill of the Hawk. Our school catchment is 12,000 hectares of high country farmland ranging in altitude from 600-1000m. There are three large stations and ten smaller operations farming sheep, beef and deer. Plenty of shepherds, dogs, bikes and horses. Our student stocking rate is just under one per 1000 hectares.
The Rangitikei River bisects the district – a stunning river with some of the best white water, scenery and trout fishing in NZ (Last summer top fisherman were catching & releasing 20 to 30 on a good day! Seven more high country rivers with good fishing are located with an hours drive). Just over the river are Mt Aorangi and the Ruahine Ranges – great for hunting and tramping. Wild deer, including Reds, Fallow and escaped Wapitis are all found in the district.
Most students have been hunting / fishing / tramping and are very familiar with and appreciative of the great outdoors.
Pukeokahu is home to several unique businesses and events:
River Valley Lodge
A New Zealand adventure lodge situated “away from it all” next to the breathtaking Rangitikei River.
The Lodge is just 5 minutes from the school and caters for Kiwi Experience buses and private tourists. The Lodge offers white water and scenic rafting and kayaking, horse trekking and other adventure activities. The Lodge operates its restaurant and bar seven days a week and often hosts special events. At present, a series of special three course meals inspired by the cuisines of various countries, one each fortnight, are being held.
River Valley Stables
Combines amazing scenery, the chance to feel the pulse of life in the rural countryside of the Rangitikei District, New Zealand, and the opportunity to feel the exhilaration of a galloping horse.
Bliss-Stick
Manufacturers of the world’s best white water kayaks – tested on the Rangitikei & exported to the world.
The Gentle Annie Mountain Bike Adventure Ride
A picturesque 80km bike ride from Pukeokahu to Waiwhare.
The people of Pukeokahu are a good mix of young and old. Taihape and the greater district are experiencing prosperous times giving plenty of employment opportunities. Within Pukeokahu, Bliss-Stick and River Valley employ a good number of people, and casual work is frequently available on the local farms. A very strong community spirit exists with the School & Hall as a central focus.
The approximately 150 locals can enjoy an active social life with community parties and events occurring regularly. Last Winter a murder-mystery dinner & show was put on by the locals. A masquerade ball is in the pipeline for later this winter. The local ladies enjoy craft nights and frequent get-togethers.
Pukeokahu fundraises regularly for the School and Community Hall: Our Bike Ride attracts 400+ bikes from all over the country; Our weekend Horse Trek raised $7000 for the school in March.
Other community events include the River Festival run by Bliss-Stick and River Valley (always a good night) and the Horse Sports which provides plenty of entertainment for riders and spectators alike.
In 2006 the Pukeokahu Community fundraised nearly $1,100 per student for our School.
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