29 - 31 July 2004 in Raetihi, New Zealand

Location (view map)
Raetihi is in the central North Island of New Zealand. Situated in the heart of rural New Zealand, it has a population of just over 1000. Originally a timber town, Raetihi was founded by pioneers in 1893, when the only access was by sea and river steamer up the Wanganui River to Pipiriki. The first road and the railway link were opened in 1917. In response to the changing needs of the 21st century this small and determined community has restored its town, and in particular, its theatre, the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. The Raetihi Film Festival is held in the theatre, which seats 250 people.

For more information about Raetihi, visit Raetihi's main website or read an essay on Raetihi.

Raetihi is close to the Tongariro National Park, which includes the spectacular volcanoes Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngaruhoe. Tongariro National Park was given World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1990. For more information on the national park, see http://ohakune.info/tongariro.html. Raetihi is 11km from the central North Island's main skiing resort, Ohakune.

How to get there
Note: the Raetihi Film Festival is being held in winter. Weather conditions around Raetihi can be severe during the winter months. Occasionally roads will be closed, so access has to be checked before departure. To check updated road conditions check MetService Road Snowfall Warnings, the AA Highway Report, or call the AA/Transit Highway Information Line on 0900 33 222 (calls cost NZ$1.00 a minute!)

For useful information on coming to New Zealand visit Tourism NZ and Travelocity

Travelling by car from Auckland:
Take State Highway 1 (SH1) south to
Hamilton. In Hamilton take State Highway 3 (SH3) south (direction New Plymouth). Stay on SH3 until 11 km south of Te Kuiti, and take State Highway 4 (SH4) (direction south, Wanganui) all the way to Raetihi. The theatre is on Seddon Street, which will be on your right.

Travelling by car from Wellington:
Take State Highway 1 (SH1) north to Waiouru. Take State Highway 49 (SH49) towards Ohakune. In Ohakune take Ohakune-Raetihi Direct Road to Raetihi. Once in Raetihi, go straight across State Highway 4 (SH4) which is Seddon Street. The theatre is on Seddon Street on your right.
Alternate route is via Wanganui, and then north onto SH4. This route is also subject to closure in winter when severe weather conditions exist.

Travelling by Public Transport:
For information on public transport from Auckland or Wellington to Raetihi, visit InterCity Coachlines

More information on accommodation in Raetihi

More information on accommodation in Ohakune

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