New Zealand Short Walk
Ongaonga Village -
O
ngaonga is a historic village 16km west of Waipawa in Central Hawkes Bay, with interesting Victorian and Edwardian buildings where town folk have a passion for preservation. It is an interesting spot to stop for a 2km short walk through the historic village and up the main street to the general store and back. Ongaonga has more than its share of history. Set in a peaceful spot a stones throw from SH50, Ongaonga has a collection of historic buildings gathered from all over the district and clustered around the Department of Conservation’s field office to make a picturesque historic village. Even the DOC field office is a slice Above: The general store still in operation today. Left second from top: A typical hut. Left third for top: The butchers shop. Below left: The Ongaonga Police Station. Below right: Inside of a workers hut.
38 Walking New Zealand, issue no 287 - 2022
of local history, having been the original Pendle Hill Homestead before it was carefully removed from its spot beneath the Wakarara Ranges and shifted to Ongaonga and restored. The buildings include an old school house and a jail. They fit in well with Ongaonga’s own historic buildings, which include homes, a factory and a general store. The historic village is open to the public on Sundays from 2pm - 4pm, or by request for group bookings, phone: (06) 856 6735. Visitors can pick up a map and brochure on any day of the week from the Ongaonga General Store and take a walk through historic Ongaonga village. View the elegant Edwardian buildings, nineteenth century cottages and the most beautiful architecturally designed butcher shop in New Zealand. History In the 1850’s the district of Ongaonga was dominated by four large
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