It is located at the southern end of both the Tongariro National Park and Rangataua State Forest, adjacent to the southwestern slopes of the active volcano Mount Ruapehu.

[3] Rangataua contains many properties that are owned as holiday villas or baches usually used for skiing at the nearby Turoa Skifield.

State Highway 49 runs immediately adjacent to the village, as does the North Island Main Trunk railway.

The name Rangataua comes from two Māori words: Ranga - to parade in ranks; to fall in, and taua - war party.

A 1909 report said a billiard room, hair-dressing saloon, stationery shop and bakery were open, or being built.

It is part of the larger Tangiwai statistical area, which covers 2,696.63 km2 (1,041.17 sq mi).

[11] To the immediate east of the village is the 6710 hectare Rangataua Conservation Area, which is contiguous with the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tongariro National Park on its northern boundary.