Shared Pathway: Unique boardway opened in

Unique boardwalk opened in Waitara

The historic town of Waitara north of New Plymouth, now has a distinctive walkway of its own connecting between settlement and shoreline.

The walkway is made up of the use of man-made materials in a natural environment for both the surface and the foundations of the boardwalk, that would be established in DOC (Department of Conservation) managed wetlands. Europlank sustainable recycled plastic product chosen as an alternative to timber for its suitability in marine environment and low maintenance requirements made it ideal for the two metre wide boardwalk surface and foundations.

They also worked closely with the New Plymouth District Council and

Frame Group. Given the location of the boardwalk the team wanted to interweave function with New Zealand’s history and also the ecological wetlands to create a significant community. I had heard many people commenting on this boardwalk and had By Judy Eva never really taken the effort to check Above: Information boards beside the walkway.

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Unique boardwalk opened in Waitara

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it out, but on doing so was blown away with the sight that greeted me when I did.

Starting at the corner of West Quay and Mclean Street (the main street) Waitara by the road bridge that crosses the river, enter into the small park like area where there are seats, a garden, rock sculpture and a wooden boardwalk beside the river with dark blue painted railings.

With the river on your right stay on this path which will then become a grass verge with a concrete path. There are great views of the river for the length of the walk.

The source of this river lies in the steep hill country to east of Mt Taranaki. It flows in a north westerly direction to the Tasman Sea meet-

Above: Start of the walk from the town. Below left: A rock wall on the way to the boardwalk.

ing at the coastal town of Waitara seeping into the wetlands at high tide. The path follows in a straight line passing the huge old Borthwicks Freezing Works buildings on your left that were established in 1867 but closed 20 years ago. It was the backbone of Waitara with the loss of many jobs and was the economic backbone of this town for 75 years.

I felt a sort of chill while passing this massive vast ghostly structure and felt haunted by what must have been the mournful voices of the thousand of animals slaughtered there. There seemed to be a sadness surrounding it.

The buildings are now owned by Anzco Holdings and produce meat patties and salami for McDonalds restaurants. The earliest known transaction of Maori and European trade in the area was in 1823 when the barge William Stoveld under Captain Davidson anchored off the river mouth to trade goods for flax. Following along the path takes you out onto Queen Street with houses on your left. Keep on the path straight ahead along the rock wall and at the end of the street you will enter into a walkway with information boards explaining the history

Above right: Passing the old freezing works. Middle right: The working bee that started the project for the boardwalk. Below: The curving shape of the native eel.

Unique boardwalk opened in Waitara

in the area.

As you turn the corner you will be met with the most stunning sight of this beautiful boardwalk which weaves its way across the wetlands. It is absolutely stunning.

The wetlands consists of mudflats which support salt marsh vegetation, wading birds, raupo, flax, cabbage trees and many other water specimens including migrating birds.

This estuary is located 500 metres upstream from the river mouth. The lagoon covers 1.2 hectacres, where

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P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Phone 0800-925-546 Fax 06-358-6864 or email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz Above left: A bridge for all types of transport. 200 native plants were planted by Shell N.Z. staff to prevent erosion. The wetland has formed within a low coastal fore dune system with an activity stoney beach.

On the reaching the end of the boardwalk and if you wish to continue veer right, past the Waitara Yacht Club across the large parking area and enjoy the sea view at the West Beach, Marine Park.

The 2.4 k walk takes approximately an hour return unless you dither and take in some of the attractions along the beach.

If you wish to do just the boardwalk park at the end of Queen Street you will miss the beauty of the complete river walk.

The complete walk is shared with bikes and pedestrians and is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters walking frames, pushchairs and dogs.

Waitara is off SH 3. 15kms north east of New Plymouth.