Friday, February 26, 2016

NEW Mt. PARIHAKA LOOKOUT

A fortnight ago we walked up the Ross Track to the summit of Parihaka and discovered several people waiting for a helicopter which was going to fly a Kohato (rock) onto the new viewing platform.  We had known that it was about to happen but not which day and so we waited with Council staff, reporters, cameramen and other walkers.  It was quite a tricky operation as there is a War Memorial on the summit as well as several trees.

As we didn't know we would be seeing this I didn't have my camera with me (note to self - it may be time to upgrade my cell phone).

Last Saturday was the unveiling.  As usual we went to the Growers' Market and then walked Sophie on "The Loop" at the Town Basin.




There was a celebration for the opening of a new portion of the track.



After going to Doug's  to leave Sophie and have a coffee we walked up the Ross Track again to see the official unveiling of the Kohatu..



There were so many people there that it was hard to get photos so yesterday we went up by walking from Whaeora Road and up the Ponga and Dobbie tracks - a much longer walk and more of an effort in the heat of the day.

It was a better day for photos.







If anyone wants to read about it I found this link to the Council website. 


http://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2016/02/23/parihaka-lookout-opening-ceremony/


10 comments:

  1. NZ was recently voted as one of the most desirable places to retire to. I can see why.

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    1. When we were at the summit yesterday we got chatting to an American - he had his yacht moored at the Town Basin. He said he chose Whangarei as he had work to be done on his yacht and was full of praise for the city, talking about the wonderful walks, work the council does and the restaurants.

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  2. Lovely rock, weather and views. You are lucky having that so close to you.

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  3. I must take a wander up three some time. It looks like you had perfect weather for it!

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  4. Love your pictures. Going on the walk the second time certainly paid off. hope you didn't get too many achey bones xx

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  5. The carving looks completely at home up there on the lookout. What a glorious view. Thanks for the link - very interesting.

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