Huntly has a wide range of facilities and venues that cater for those who wish to try the whole Huntly experience.
We have some wonderful walkways around our lakes and of course there is the Hakarimata Ranges where some of the most southern majestic Kauri trees in New Zealand can be seen
The Lake Hakanoa Walkway:
The idea of a walkway around the lake was mooted well before World War 2. In 1972 a group of Huntly people led by ex mayor Robin Wright and Noel McMillan started to make headway. They started work with the help of local service clubs and schools to form a track between the Camping Ground and where the Lakeview Terrace entrance currently adjoins the walkway. The process was arduous and slow but it was at least a start towards a vision to create a walkway to surround the entire Lake Hakanoa.
A number of attempts were made to extend their work and small amounts of progress occurred over the next 25 years. In 1997 local resident Ngaire Rogers took up the cudgels, formed a committee, enlightened council as to what was need and set about the project with considerable 'gusto' and an absolute focus. Her vision of establishing the walkway to encircle the entire lake was accepted by both the Waikato District Council and a number of key funders. With a pro-active and supportive committee along with a sizeable area of swampland to traverse the target was completed by the end of 2000. A dream had been fulfilled and Ngaire's mission complete. Early in 2001 the committee wanted to make further progress and Brian Curle was invited to take over the chairmanship. Most of the committee were as keen as ever to make further progress. As a result Brian initiated the process to obtain a Landscape Architect with the clear objective of establishing an enhancement plan for all the land that was adjacent to the newly estblished walkway.
No funding was sought for the first year as the Friends of Lake Hakanoa Walkway provided the Architect with what they considered appropriate guidelines for the project. Once completed the plans received some minor adjustments and the project then took on a renewed and challenging goal. The walkway was divided into 13 zones to cover the entire 3.62 km of the track. The estimated cost to complete the project was in excess of $500,000 (2001 figures) That the enhancement has subsequently raised over $600,000 and completed eleven of the 13 zones is a story in itself. At the time of preparing this article (2010) the two remaining zones to complete are the Seibu Bunri Japanese Garden and the Rahui Pokeka (actual name awaiting confirmation). The Japanese Garden has two aspects (elements) to be completed at a projected cost of $21,000 and the Rahui Pokeka Gardens have 23 elements to be completed or established. The latter garden will be shown in detail on this website as soon as the final costings have been confirmed. It is perhaps significant that four key people involved with walkway have received acknowledgements in the New Year or Queens Birthday honours during the past three years for their dedication to community work. We refer to Noel McMillan, Brian Curle and Graeme Tait who were all honoured with Queens Service Medals and Mayor Peter Harris (the walkways most enthusiastic supporter) who was created a
The Walkway Guide provides a narrative walkthrough of this wonderful attraction and details of the Friends of Lake Hakanoa Walkway committee.
The Green Cathedral:
The Green Cathedral is on the banks of Lake Hakanoa and can be accessed via the Hakanoa walkway. It has been created to provide a space for contemplation, celebration and remembrance. There is seating for 170 people, a lectern, an altar and a small table that could be used to sign wedding certificates. The existing trees provide a natural acoustic backdrop and as the setting is on the lake edge, you are assured of wonderful views. It changes with the seasons and never fails to impress regardless of the weather or temperature.
The green Cathedral car park is off Lake View Terrace and is open at all times, it is a non denominational area and there are no costs involved to view this Huntly attraction. Bookings for the use of the area can be made through the Information Centre at 160 Great South Road. For further details about this attraction, please refer to the Green Cathedral Guide.
Weavers Park:
Weavers Park is situated 400 Metres to the west of the Tainui Bridge in Rotowaro Road, west of Huntly. It is the result of a carefully and strategically planned long-term rehabilitation of the former Weaver's Opencast Mine. With its pristine water quality, lake size, car parking space, potential facilities for huge crowds and the undulating nature of its walkway tracks, Weaver's is an entrepreneur's dream. The area had been opencast and underground mined from 1958 to 1993 and took in some of the Ralph Mine workings from as far back as the 1920's. The objective of creating a 'healthy' 60 metre deep recreational lake and an outstanding community amenity has now been realised.
30,000 plants, tracks for walking, cross country, off road running and mountain biking have been established, along with rest points and viewing spots with glimpses of the lake. The Waikato District Council has provided amenities such as a boat ramp, two jetties for boating and sailing, plus a diving platform for deep diving training. Kayaking, waka amo, rowing, multi-sport events and triathlons, education studies, picnic and leisure activities have all quickly become an additional part of Weaver's Park everyday life. An extensive range of other facilities and recreational options will emerge in the near future.
Genesis Energy Huntly Aquatic Centre
With the support of Genesis Energy and public fundraising the swimming pools have been considerably revamped, restored and the water heated. This has become a considerable asset to the Community and has allowed greater use by both Swimming Clubs and public in general. There is a life guard on duty at all times and with three pools in total there is something to suit everyone. The main pool has lane markings and on most occasions there are at least two lanes roped off for the lap swimmers. There is more work being carried out on this wonderful facility and due to its close proximity to the Huntly Domain and Lake Hakanoa its access is central with ample car parking. The Centre is located in Wight Street.
The Hakarimata Walkway
The Hakarimata Walkway was initially a 'no man's' land. Not too far into this virgin bush you can see Kauris so large that describing them to non visitors could be met with disbelief. Access is via Riverview Road on the west river side of Huntly taking Parker Road on the right hand side where a little further on you will find an extensive car park.
It appears the Kauris escaped being milled due to their inaccessibility, and even today with good tracks in place it would still be difficult to get the monsters through the bush. The age of the two tallest trees is estimated to be at least 800 and up to 1300 years old. It is a twenty minute walk along a metal track to reach the two large Kauris. A further five minutes of walking and you come to 'Kauri Grove' where there are over 100 smaller Kauris up to 30metres high. A continuation of the main ridge track takes you through to Ngaruawahia. The entire track is part of the Te Araroa walk, which, when completed, will traverse New Zealand by foot from the North Cape to the Bluff. If you choose to walk the entire stretch you will be well rewarded. The views are stunning.
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METCALFE's CONFERENCE & ADVENTURE CENTRE
Dawn and Allan Metcalfe ph 07) 828 4888 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WHERE : - 292 GINN RD HUNTLY website www.themetcalfes.co.nz
They Specialise in "Corporate & group meetings-staff Functions-Personalised team building adventures including
archery, clay target shooting , air rifle & paintball targets
GREAT FUN
