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11
PAKU VIEWS
ISSUE 4 AUTUMN/WINTER 2012
Whitianga Ferry Fares and Times
The ferry service has been operating since 1895. It was officially started by Neil Harris, who
rowed his customers across the river for a fee. There are currently two ferries in use–the
smaller Stella B and the larger ferry, Mercury Star, which was specifically designed to operate
in shallow waters.
7.30am to 11pm Continuous Service
.
Please note the timetable varies on a seasonal basis. The ferry operates 365 days of the year.
FARES
Adult
Single Trip $3
Return Trip $5
Child (under 15)
Single Trip $1.50
Return Trip $3
$60 (40 single trips)
Bicycles $1 each way
All tickets are
purchased on the ferry.
All prices include GST.
The Old Stone Wharf, located on the eastern side (Cooks Beach) of Whitianga
Harbour, was built in 1837 and reputed to be the first stone wharf built in
Australasia. Gordon Davis Brown, a timber merchant who owned a local trading
post and ship building yard, is credited with commissioning it.
The wharf was constructed of large stones obtained nearby that were squared and
fashioned together by local Maori without the use of mortar. Recognising that the
wharf had been built beside a rapidly flowing tidal steam and subject to marine
erosion, it’s a real tribute to those builders that the structure has survived for over
170 years.
Mortar was used at later dates to pack between the stone blocks, although it was
suggested this was the wrong thing to do. In the 1950s a concrete loading platform
was built on top of the original structure. In the 1980s, grouting was again applied
to hold the structure together. There is a concern that further work may be needed
to ensure that this historic structure remains intact for future generations.
To see this piece of history, you can take the ferry service from Whitianga or the Old
Stone Wharf can be reached by road from Cooks Beach.
The wharf has been registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
Pepe Playground
in Tairua. Located on the estuary, offers a great location for fun
kid activities that include fishing and crab hunting.
Kennedy Park in Pauanui
. Home to an artificial cricket wicket, a fitness trail, and
four tennis courts. A great place to fly kites or kick a ball around with the kids.
Work-out at Fit Fiddle Gym
. A variety of equipment including cardio, machine &
free weights. Casual or memberships. 07 864 8766
Hire A Dvd Or Video
. Check out Tairua Videos on Main Road, 864 8170, and
Pauanui Liquor & Video, in Pauanui Shopping Centre, 864 8089.
Shop till you drop,
there’s treasure to be found.
Libraries in Tairua and Pauanui.
See story p.25, this issue.
Nearby Fun
Te Karo Bay and Tracks.
From this secluded bay at the end of Sailors Grave Road,
hike over the hill to Otara Bay, where you’ll likely find you have the beach to yourself.
Hot Water Beach -
two hours either side of low tide, dig yourself a hole in the sand
and enjoy the hot spring waters. Don’t forget your spade!
Hahei -
Great seaside village with top class beach. 5 minutes to Cathedral Cove &
Hot Water beach. Coromandel coast scenery at its best.
Cook’s Beach,
Flaxmill Bay and Front Bay - sheltered north-facing beaches offer
one of the safest swimming spots in the Coromandel. Bring the family!
Matarangi 3592
P
07 866 2927
M
0210 351 338
Gillian McNabb (AREINZ)
LIcENsEd AGENt/sALEspERsoN
027 28 48 019
Jen Beare
LIcENsEd sALEspERsoN
021 210 9552
Graham Beare
LIcENsEd sALEspERsoN
021 15 15 683
Mark Fourie
LIcENsEd sALEspERsoN
021 349 530
Office: (07) 864 7822
238 Main Rd., tairua
LICENSED UNDER REAA 2008
History carved
from stone
For more details, updated hours and locations about activities listed, pop in to
either Tairua or Pauanui Info Centres. There are many groups that meet regularly
and some welcome drop-ins. Open to both locals and visitors. Check out
Find these listings under Community Calendar.