Tākaka Hill’s once famous mummified cow has largely disappeared, but its legend continues to draw curiosity from locals and visitors.
For decades, many travelling over the hill would stop at a small shed near the summit to peer at a cow that died there about 35 years ago. The dry, cold conditions preserved the body, turning it into a quirky roadside attraction beloved by school groups and local families.
The shed has since collapsed, part of the body has been removed, and the remains have mostly decomposed.
The Tākaka Hill summit car park has been especially busy this summer due to the new via ferrata and mountain bike track. Climbing guide Peter Garlick, who has been leading groups up the via ferrata, says the cow remains a surprising point of interest.
“The most common question I get from locals is whether the cow is still there. I hadn’t realised its celebrity status,” Peter says.
“A whole generation of local kids grew up with visits to see the mummified cow whenever they travelled over the hill.”
Peter did not want to disappoint his groups, so he found a solution. A new cow is now in residence and, when asked about the old mummified cow, he takes visitors to see it.
“We all get a good laugh and some photos, and out-of-town visitors get to learn a bit of quirky local history.”
