Raetihi, established in 1893 is a small town in the center of New Zealand's North Island. It lies in a valley between Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, 11 km west of Ohakune's ski fields.

Raetihi became the focal point for travelers going between Wanganui and Waiouru. A thriving town emerged to serve the timber workers and those passing through. A trip North from Wanganui was not for the faint-hearted. The scenic "River Road" passing through Pipiriki was treacherous with primitive tracks and long falls if you left the track. Those who completed the journey to Raetihi found hospitality, accommodation, blacksmiths and saddlers for weary horses and supplies for their further travels north.

From the 1970s, Raetihi, like many rural New Zealand towns, suffered from a depressed economy. At present, tourist attractions such as the Dinosaur House Museum, Raetihi Holiday Park, Whanganui River Canoes, Raetihi Arts Trust Gallery, Waimarino Museum, Volcano Vibe, Makotoku River Walk and the Raetihi’s Theatre Royal offer hope for a more diverse economic future. Its close proximity to Mount Ruapehu and popular ski-fields has led to the establishment of accommodation and cafes to cater for the increasing number of visitors.