Rawhide comes to Rerewhakaaitu

Rerewhakaaitu will come alive with the sound of hoofs and the thrill of cowboy stomping action for the annual rodeo tomorrow.

There will be plenty of action in the rink as cowboys from around New Zealand vie for points to become rodeo champion at Rerewhakaaitu.

The action will have a touch of international flavour as Queens-land's Bray Perrott looks to go up against local cowboy and favourite Rex Church.

Spectators will get their fill of bucking bronco riders, barrel racers, bull riders and calf ropers as the cowboys and cowgirls look to boost their points taking part in the five championship series throughout the country between December and April.

Each competitor earned points with the winner announced at the national rodeo in Manawatu next year, said Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo Club secretary Christine Church.

Those taking part where in good form after competing in Opotiki yesterday where more than 4000 spectators took advantage of the humid weather to watch the action.

Taupo locals get their chance to watch the thrills and spills with the Taupo Rodeo happening today.

Church urged people to pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.

"It's going to be an awesome family day out."

Some of the country's best-trained bucking bulls and horses will be on display.

The action starts at the Rerewhakaaitu Domain tomorrow at 8.30am with the main attractions due to start about 1pm.

Entry is $10 adults, $5 for children between 5 and 15 and free for under 5s.