Perry Bridge a Great New Attraction
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Summer edition December 2017 Perry Bridge a great new attraction More than a thousand people came out to celebrate the opening of the Te Awa River Ride and the stunning new Perry Bridge in early November. This section completes a project real highlight. This link will provide which now sees a river-side commuters in the north Waikato cycleway connecting Ngaruawahia surrounds especially those in close with the Hamilton Gardens. proximity to Hamilton a path to cycle to work and to events, easing The trail between the Ngaruawahia congestion, pollution and enabling Golf Club and the Horotiu Bridge exercise to be integrated into their creates an uninterrupted 25km daily lives,” NZ Transport Agency cycle path linking Ngaruawahia Central North Island Regional with the southern end of Hamilton Relationships Director Parekawhia City. The project was initiated by McLean says. the Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust in 2010 and this northern Students from schools either section has been funded by the NZ side of the river have designed Transport Agency, Waikato District and produced stunning mosaics Council and more than a dozen to sit in perpetuity alongside the community funders. landmark structure. Students from Ngaruawahia High School and “We are thrilled to finally be opening Horotiu Primary School guided by this important section of Te Awa Ngaruawahia artist Tracy Huirama- – and in particular the stunning Osborne have spent several months new Perry Bridge. This is a great developing the artwork. This will example of what can be achieved be installed before the end of by combining an amazing vision the year. with strong partnerships and a supportive community,” Te Awa When complete, Te Awa will be River Ride General Manager a 70km shared cycle / walkway From left, NZTA’s Regional Relationships Central North Jennifer Palmer says. “Opening the running alongside the Waikato Island Director Parekawhia McLean, River Ride Trust Ngaruawahia to Horotiu section River, between Ngaruawahia Chairman Simon Perry and Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson officially open the Perry Bridge. with the community has been a and Horahora. Top 5 walks Council and Christmas and free Trust grow New Year things to do gardens’ hours in the district tourism potential INSIDE Page 4 & 5 Pages 6 Page 7 www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz 2 LINK Mayor’s Message Saving water outside your home It’s been a wet old year but summer is finally here. And while Welcome to this special bumper edition most of us are hoping that the sun will finally start winning of Link. This edition we’re focused on the battle over dark clouds and persistent rain, the change celebrating the great stuff to do around our of season inevitably increases the pressure on our precious district while the sun shines and (some of water supply. us) have some spare time on our hands. Here are some simple ways This summer is a particularly special one for our to reduce your water use cycle and walking network. over the summer months. Remember, small savings add We’ve now got a brand new (…and bright green) bridge, up to make a big difference! the Perry Bridge between Ngaruawahia and Horotiu, In your garden: thanks to the generous folks at Brian Perry Charitable Trust ● Water your garden early in the morning or later in the and a number of others. This project has been delivered in evening to reduce water loss to evaporation. conjunction with us at Waikato District and by NZTA. ● Drip line irrigation and soaker hoses are two of the best Whether you’re ready to cycle from the Hakarimata’s to ways to water shrubs, plants and vegetables, as they water the root zone directly. Sprinklers can lose a lot of Hamilton (maybe after a quick dash up the Hakarimata’s water to evaporation and run-off. 1349 stairs) or take a leisurely cycle along the banks of the Waikato River, the now completed Ngaruawahia to Involve the kids: Hamilton section of the Te Awa River Ride is a must do ● Encourage your kids to become leak detectives, looking this summer. for leaky taps or pipes around the garden or inside the home. Fixing leaks can help save up to 500 litres a day. This summer Link is packed with ideas for fun things you ● Kids love to play with water. Check out some water play can do locally with your families or with visitors. Check out ideas that use less water at www.smartwater.org.nz/ pages 4 and 5 for the top 5 free things and walks in the smart-water-play. For example, instead of using water district and pages 10 and 11 for the district’s top 5 hidden balloons, try making sponge water bombs. They’re gems and activities to do with the kids. great fun for all ages, use less water and can be reused over and over. Outdoor jobs: ● Wash your car and your pets on an area of lawn that needs watering. ● Use a broom instead of your hose when cleaning areas Allan Sanson like patios and driveways. Mayor, Waikato District Council For more tips and information on saving water visit www.smartwater.org.nz Summer’s a great time to go camping We’ve got some beautiful places to visit so why not come and stay for a few days? Not in a self-contained vehicle? Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty We allow freedom camping in a self contained vehicle in our of great holiday parks and camping grounds in our district, district, but some areas are restricted or prohibited. Please including Raglan’s Kopua Holiday Park. Make sure you ring check our website to make sure you know where these areas ahead and book as it does get very busy over the summer are. Also please be aware that you’ll only be able to stay for a period. You can also stay in DOC camping areas. Check out maximum of three nights. our website for more information. www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz LINK 3 Cycleway unveiled More than a thousand people came out to celebrate the opening of the Te Awa River Ride and the stunning new Perry Bridge in early November. Mooloo and the Chiefs were at the opening. More than 1000 people were at the official opening of the Perry Bridge in November. Performances, including one from I-Jay Huirama, were a highlight of the event. Cycling gold medallist and Te Awa River Ride Locals enjoy the opening Trustee Sarah Ulmer was at the opening. of the Perry Bridge. Photos: Stacey Solomon www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz 4 LINK Top 5 walks in the district Hakarimata Summit – Ngaruawahia Of course the world-famous-in-Ngaruawahia Hakarimata’s have to make the list. As one of the most popular walks in the Waikato region, the 335 metre climb from Brownlee Avenue to the summit has hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. 1349 steps to the top also provides a wonderful1 training ground for all sorts of people. Add it to your bucket list – you’ll be glad you did. Waireinga/Bridal Veil Falls – Raglan Waireinga/Bridal Veil Falls – Raglan Pukemokemoke Bush Loop Track A trip to the Bridal Veil Falls is an attractive easy walk through – Whitikahu native forest following the Pakoka River to the top of the falls. This section of track is designed for assisted wheelchair use The Pukemokemoke Bush Loop Track boasts over 300 native and is suitable for children’s pushchairs. 2 plants including matai, totara, kauri, kanuka and kahikatea, great picnic spots and stunning views of the wider region. The two viewing platforms at the top of the falls provide 4 spectacular views of the falls and surrounding countryside. Consisting of around 40 hectares, Pukemokemoke Reserve From here, the track slopes steeply down stairs to a includes nine sites of interest which are marked along the midway viewpoint. track; these include a log hauler site, the kauri grove, the lookout and the stopover paa. The track continues down more stairs to the bottom view bridge and information shelter where there is a magnificent The remains of the old stopover paa can be found about half view directly across the pool and up at the falls. way up the track from the bridge and deep trenches, food pits and other architectural features can still be identified amongst Access is via Te Mata Road off the Hamilton/Raglan Highway the fauna that has now taken over the site. (SH23). Turn left into Kawhia Road, 1km past Te Mata and travel another 4km to the car park. People are not advised The lookout at the summit of the track provides stunning to swim. 360 degree views of the region, with the Hakarimata Range, Mt Te Aroha and more all clearly visible on a fine day. Harker Reserve Access is off Gordonton-Whitikahu Road (next to the quarry) – Onewhero with the circuit taking approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Harker Reserve is a QEll protected native bush. The shaded walking path leads from Punt Hill to Vivian Falls. Horses and Mount William Walkway dogs on leads are permitted on the track. 3 – Mangatawhiri The reserve is home to Vivian Falls, a 12m “horsetail” From the McMillan Road end, the track follows a farm fence waterfall, where you can relax and take in the peace of the line with markers to the Mount William Scenic Reserve. The native bush scenery. Access is off Onewhero-Tuakau Bridge reserve hosts a wide variety of native trees and shrubs, Road, Onewhero. including kauri, hard beech and king ferns. From5 the Mount William summit (373m) there are expansive views to the West Coast and Firth of Thames.