Tai Tapu


Tai Tapu, previously known as Taitapu, is a small town adjacent to the Halswell River and nestled in the Port Hills, located 6 km east of the town of Lincoln and 18 km south west of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. State Highway 75 passes through the centre of the village, connecting Christchurch with Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.
Taitapu had a population of 624 at the 2013 New Zealand census, an increase of 213 people since the 2006 census. There were 312 males and 312 females. 94.6% were European/Pākehā, 6.8% were Māori, 0.5% were Pacific peoples and 1.0% were Asian.
The Tai Tapu Hotel was established in 1856 and is located 1km north of the town centre on a scenic country road. It has a large outdoor dining area that looks over the Halswell River with views to the Tai Tapu Golf Course.

Etymology

The name Tai Tapu is derived from the Māori words wai tapu, which means sacred or solemn water.
The village was previously known as Taitapu, until an official name change in 2009.
The village is often colloquially referred to as 'Tai Tap' by locals.