Taihape’s neglected beauty revived
A Rangitı¯kei town’s natural beauty will soon be unveiled to the world.
The Friends of Taihape Society will rejuvenate walking tracks around the Hautapu River, two minutes from the centre of town, and build rest area facilities to lure passing motorists.
Tourists will be greeted with kilometres of native bush, giant redwoods and towering papa cliffs surrounding the river.
Society president Don Tantrum said most tracks were already there, albeit overgrown, and just needed linking. The real project would be building bridges and facilities, such as showers and toilets to comfort travellers. The cost is not yet known. Tantrum said the society had just finished building the Les Thurston Lookout Tower at Mt Stewart, and members were eager to continue.
‘‘After the tower’s completion, [local resident] Joe Coogan said to me: ‘How about we set our sights on opening the camping area and surrounds at Papakai Park, like it originally was when we were kids?’
‘‘The project steamed from there.’’
Tantrum said the group consulted with Isthmus Architects in Wellington to develop the plan, which includes spaces for walking, biking, horse treks, camping, swimming, fishing and rest stops.
Rangitı¯kei mayor Andy Watson supported the project, which he said highlighted the area’s rustic charm.
‘‘The parties who have put this together have done an amazing job. As a group, they have a track record of doing what they say they will do.’’
The council’s parks and reserves team leader Athol Sanson, who is also on board, is working with Horizons Regional Council to determine what features the tracks should go past.