It was named after the flightless native New Zealand bird, the Takahe.
Sign of the Takahe is an historic building, planned by Harry (Harry George) Ell in 1918. Takahe was not completed until 1948 - more than a decade after Harry Ell's death in 1934. Takahe opened for business in 1920 and was known as the Tram Terminus Rest house. It is situated on the Cracroft Reserve and was Harry's vision for it to be at the entrance to the Summit road as a splendid Tea-house, and eventually for a part of a network of Tea-houses.
Added Note; Harry Ell is said to have been New Zealand’s ‘strongest advocate for scenery preservation’ in the early 20th century