My Favoutite Walk: Cardiff Centennial Walk through natural bush and farmland

By Judy Eva

Tucked away on Opunake Road approximately 6kms from Stratford, Taranaki is a delightful and pleasant walk through farmland and natural bush and following the Waingonoro River is the Cardiff Centennial Walkway.

It gives access to points of local historical significance and was developed by members of

the Cardiff branch of Federated Farmers to coincide with the centennial of the Cardiff School and district in May 1986.

Adequate supplies of water for the nearby Cardiff Co Operative Dairy Factory sunk after the factory was built in 1891. Ultimately supplies were established by a well from water from the Waingongoro River and by a bore, thus making the area one of the first dairy factory water supplies in New Zealand. The factory closed in 1951.

This walkway is an attractive and tranquil river bank stroll, changing direction and elevation while also providing variety as there are steep Above right: Entrance to walkway from road.

Below left: Two sets of steps on the bush track.