EKETAHUNA Eketahuna is the third town of the European town of the European enigma. Norsewood distinctly Scandinavia, Dannevirke, distinctly Dutch, and Eketahuna distinctly a mystery. Ekatahuna, when visited was very cold and very windy. Eketahuna is a small rural service town, the most southerly in the Tararua District in the Manawatu region It was originally called Mellenskov and so too was Masterton; but was renamed soon after its founding. As at going to print the source of the name is still a mystery. The town is located at the foot of the Tararua Ranges which lie to the west. It is 35 kilometres north of Masterton. It is situated on State Highway 2 and the eastern bank of the Makakahi River. Eketahuna is considered by some to be the epitome of stereotypical rural New Zealand towns, and is occasionally used in conversation to represent "the real New Zealand". The 2001 census recorded Eketahuna's population at 579. New Zealanders colloquially refer to the town of Eketahuna the way other English speakers refer to Timbuktu, i.e., the middle of nowhere, "the sticks", the end of the world. Travelers invariably pass through Ekatahuna. Very few people go there. The town has unique War Memorial that has a good profile. The Anglican Church is located just out of the township on a hill. The museum is open most days and Eketahuna has two high profile hotels. Should the timing be right Eketahuna is a good spot for a drink or game of Golf.