It first existed for two parliamentary terms in the late 19th century and was re-established for the 2008 general election.

Rangitata was a relatively safe National seat until it changed to the Labour Party in the 2020 general election.

In the 1887 electoral redistribution, although the Representation Commission was required through the Representation Act 1887 to maintain existing electorates "as far as possible", rapid population growth in the North Island required the transfer of three seats from the South Island to the north.

[3] The electorate was re-established for the 1893 election[3] and won by William Maslin, who served until the end of the parliamentary term in 1896.

It was created after a review of electoral boundaries conducted in the wake of the 2006 census, which showed that there had been a general northwards population movement.

[9][10] Goodhew announced in January 2017 that she would not be contesting the 2017 general election after being dropped from cabinet.

[11] The electorate was won at the election by Andrew Falloon, retaining it for the National Party.

[12] In mid-July 2020, Falloon announced that he would not be seeking re-election at the 2020 general election, citing personal reasons following the suicide of a friend.

[13] Following reports that Falloon had sent pornographic images to several women, he resigned as the Member for Rangitata under pressure from National Party leader Judith Collins.

[14][15][16] On 9 August 2020, the National Party nominated Environment Canterbury councillor Megan Hands as their new candidate for Rangitata.

[17] During the 2020 general election held on 17 October, the Labour Party's candidate Jo Luxton captured Rangitata from National, defeating Hands by a final margin of 4,408 votes.