What is "rangataua"

Rangataua is a small village in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located at the southern end of both the Tongariro National Park and Rangataua State Forest, adjacent to the southwestern slopes of the active volcano Mount Ruapehu. Part of the Manawatu-Wanganui region, the town is 5 kilometres east of Ohakune, 75 kilometres northeast of Wanganui, and 20 kilometres west of Waiouru.

The town's population is 1344 (2006 census). This number includes the region immediately around Rangataua, with the exception of Ohakune, Raetihi and Waiouru. A reasonable estimate of the actual population of the village itself is 50 permanent inhabitants. The village's permanent population work in the nearby region with much of the seasonal population working at the Turoa Skifield.

Rangataua contains many properties that are owned as holiday villas or baches usually used for skiing at the nearby Turoa Skifield.