Never be afraid to explore the unknown,travel roads less traveled and visit the side streets of the well known. You will never know what you will find.
Lyall has one bus stop that has been used for book and magazine sharing that has proved very successful.
Recently a poem Wislawa Szymborska called Life While-You-Wait, onto a sheet of timber was also installed for all to read.
The title is very apt for waiting at a bus stop.
© Wisława Szymborska
The above idea was muted for a while and on the 1st November it became a reality. The plan was to travel from Cape Reinga to Bluff and as much of the beaten road as possible.
A total of 4633 Km was Driven
Flight 1 Wellington to Auckland 481Km (Approx)
Flight 2 Dunedin To Wellington 632Km (Approx)
Ferry Wellington to Picton km (Approx)
Day 1 526Km Flight to Auckland then to Cape Reinga Via Dargaville Rawene
Day 2 718Km Cape Reinga to Hahei Beach (Coromandel and Bay of Islands)
Day 3 795Km Hahaei Beach to Wellington Via back roads to Ashurst,Woodville and Rimutaka Hill to Interislander Ferry Wellington and Overnight Ferry to Picton
Day 4 647Km Picton to Seddon, Molesworth Road to Hamner Springs,Greymouth to Franz Josef.
Day 5 577Km Franz Josef to Manapouri Via Haast,Wanaka,Queenstown
Day 6 507Km Manapouri to Bluff. Bluff to Beaumont
Day 7 655Km Beaumont to Omaru Via Twizel,Mount Cook and Timaru
Day 8 208Km Omaru to Dunedin Airport.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
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The Pupu Hydro Walkway is a 2 hour loop track that starts at the end of the unsealed Pupu Valley Road ( Past the better known Pupu Springs.)
This is a beautiful walk that follows the old gold mining water race. A short walk from the car park you cross the Waikoropupu River to the Power Station then from here there is a steep climb that takes you to the start of the walk proper. The Water Race follows gently up hill as it hugs the edge of the hillside.
Take time to admire the views and some of the old buildings and machinery that have been left as a reminder. There are a number of places where you can stop and enjoy your packed lunch or just to take a short break. Generally this part of the walk would take around 30 minutes.
Care is needed in places as some parts can be a little narrow when passing.
The track takes you through a varied mix of plant life from a mix of Beech,Rimu as well as Pine’s as well as ferns and tree ferns.
Bird lovers will not be disappointed with many birds singing among the trees that add something to the atmosphere.
The main track finishes at the main water intake (Weir) where you can either retrace your steps or cross over to the main access road which gently heads down hill back to the carpark. The track gives excellent views across the valley and at times you will be able to see the Walkway among the trees.
Pupu Hydro Walkway: Wikipedia
DOC NZ Parks
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Back in February 2008 a largest part of the site was destroyed by fire. This site was cleared between 2009/2010.
All that currently remains of the site is the Cool Store that sits on the banks of the river on one side and the rail tracks on the other.
Located at Waima a small road that runs along the coast from Tokomaru is the remains of the Freezing Works. The The Tokomaru Sheep Farmers Freezing Company was formed in March 1909 and the original building was opened in 1912.
The 1917 the building was extended over the Waihi stream and was 3 stories in size. The company was then sold to the Gisborne Sheep Farmers Frozen Meat and Mercantile Company.
The buildings were again sold 1944 to Borthwicks. With the loss of overseas to Tokomaru Bay Wharf the works closed in 1952.
Most of the buildings now are in ruins and while the main ends of the original building remain, the interior has pretty much gone ,although the main supports that cross the stream still remain and can been seen although the interior of the building has now been overgrown.
I believe that more should be done to keep these types of buildings. They are real and can provide so much for people to visit and understand.
For the best part of 8 years that i have been here in New Zealand and Wellington,Helipro has always been there.
Located on the Outer-T of Queens Wharf most days along Wellington’s water front especially during the Summer and Cruise Season there, would always be one or at least 2 ready to depart. It was also good to see people boarding one of the helicopters for a flight.
It would also provide sight seeing tours around New Zealand and also add hock work including firefighting and crew training.
Early morning during the summer was always a good time to catch them when the sun rises.
They were also a great supporter of Owhiro Bay School,offering short flights over the coast so the school could raise money.
From time to time a visiting helicopter would land at its site dropping or picking up.
As part of their contract work,filming would be part of that. One early morning one of the larger helicopters departed of to the Marlborough sounds to do some filming for Interislander. ( The camera,located under the front,was worth more than the helicopter.)
Now,there is no flying. The helicopters have gone and the hanger is closed. The landing zone is empty with the exception of the wind sock and the fuel tank,both looking lonely.
Hopefully another helicopter company will fill the void left. We can only hope.
© wildbaynz/windyhillflyingclub
Easily seen from many of Wellington’s highest points, from either the ferries as they head between the North Island and the South Island or if you fly over the area by plane, is the Makara Wind farm.
Located on the Terawhiti Farm which is one of the largest farms in New Zealand,which has been in the same family since 1850.
The project took 2 years to build and the power generated going by the 62 turbines goes into the national grid.
The second windfarm at Mill Creak produces power that is used by Wellington.
The tour takes you onto land that is closed to the public and offers great views of the sounding area and if you are lucky the South Island and towards Kapati Island.
You will get to see the turbines up close. You are given a good commentary about the building of the windfarm,the history of the farm land.
A excellent view of the Cook Straits will always be there and if lucky you will see one of the two ferry companies travelling between.
A drive down to Tounge Point where there is a chance to see a seal or two.On one if the rocks is a plaque to commemorate the sinking of SS Penquin.
You will be guaranteed to take plenty of photos of the seals and the Karori Lighthouse.
There are plenty of chances to take photos. Lucky enough to be at Karori Lighthouse when two of the Interislander ferries passed by.
West Wind Merdian Power Excellent details about the wind farm and plans of what area is open to the public.
Mill Creek Wind Farm Up to date info.
Wellington Rover Tours
SS Penquin
Karori Light House
Terawhiti Station
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This is the second part of my road trip covering the West Coast of New Zealands South Island. The 1st part also started in Christchurch with a train journey across Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth then heading down south and completed over a few days.
This one,also across Arthur’s Pass but by a relocation car hire,to Greymouth to Nelson via Karamea,over 2 days.
Day 1
With a wonderful 1st flight out of Wellington to Christchurch with AirNZ i was very much on the way from Christchurch by 8.00am
A straight forward run out of Christchurch on SH73. Passing through Springfield you start to gently climb up through the Russell Range.
On the higher peaks there was still a light dusting of snow,whilst the lower slopes were showing the early signs of spring.
The first stop was Castle Hill ( Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area) At a height of 700m this has a very impressive formation of limestone.
Don’t be fooled by what you see from the car park. A 15 minute walk followed by a short hike up to the first rocks.
Take a walk through these and you will be in awe of what lays behind them. A area where kids and adults will enjoy.
Continuing along SH73 you continue to pass through valleys with rivers in them and then you will meet and follow for a while the rail track that the Trans-alpine use’s.
A stop in the Village of Arthur’s Pass is in order for a break. If you are lucky you might meet the over friendly KEA.
A short distance outside Arthur’s Pass,stop at the strangely name look out called Death Corner.The view of the Otira Viaduct is well worth a few photos.
At the settlement of Jacksons you have the choice of continuing along SH73 to Kilmara Junction or via Moana and Lake Brunner.
Both end up in Greymouth.At this point i headed North on SH6. This is an amazing road following closely the west coast,where you have a number of opportunities to stop to take photos.
A place well worth stopping at is Punakaiki or well known as The Pancake Rocks and Blowhole. This a poplar destination and i have to agree.
I continued up the coast to Westport and then onto Karamea via SH67 where i spent a night with a log fire a couple of beers and a great evening meal at the only hotel in the village.
Day 2:
The day started as the previous one finished , sunny and clear. Before heading back to Westport head out of Kamera towards the start of the Heaphy Track. If you are lucky to have a clear morning you will enjoy the sunrise as well as the peace and quiet.
The journey onto Nelson was along through the Buller Gorge with a stop to take a walk along the swing bridge.
After dropping the car of at the airport it was a short wait for the Sounds Air Flight back to Wellington via flying over the Marlborough Sounds.
The car hire relocation was through Relocation rental cars. It lists what cars require relocating,the pick up location and the drop of location and the number of days you have.
Road Trip: Christchurch to Christchurch Via West Coast
Transfer Car Hire
DOC Castle Hill.
Otira
DOC Arthur’s Pass.
Karamea
Sounds Air
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© Wildbaynz/Windyhillflyingclub November 2014
Almost a year after The Spruce Goose opened in Lyall Bay ,a new resource consent has been lodged with Wellington Council for change of use from residential to commercial
The location of this change is 219 Onepu Road which in the early days of Lyall Bay was known As Lyall Bay Tea Rooms. On the opposite side of Onepu Road was one of the early cinemas in the area and later in life became Wild Style Cafe before it being converted into a house.
Lyall Bay has always been a destination for people from the days when the trams started running from Wellington to Lyall Bay.
Evan now its the place where a lot of people visit,so it will be interesting to see if this new venture brings extra people to the beach, and will make a mark.
Brief Description of the Proposal:
The current owners bought the building in 2013. They have considered the best way to keep the character of the building and it was decided to change its use to commercial use.
The proposal is to operate the business as a Cafe/Restaurant/Bar,with opening hours from 7am to 10.00pm 7 days a week,with the aim of attracting patrons in the afternoon and early evening.
8 to 12 staff are anticipated as necessary dependent on demand from patrons.
Some signage is likely with at least one sign either on the Onepu Road side or the Lyall Parade side.
Other external changes are proposed for the rear (North) of the property. An outdoor seating area is proposed immediately north of the building. Also a freezer unit will also be located on the eastern boundary of the site.
District Plan Rule:
The site is located in the outer Residential Area and is subject of active Plan Change 72. This means the proposal will retain and re-use an existing building.
Minimal works are proposed to the building exterior. The building’s current aesthetics will be improved through painting and maintenance of the current structure.
Car Parking Effects:
There will be 5 off street car parks for the northern portion of the site.The proposal will have an acceptable effect on the current on-street car parking. There is a relatively high number of on street parking spaces available in the immediate area,including a high number of parallel and angle spaces along Lyall Parade.
It has been observed that these spaces are at their peak use on weekends particular in the summers. This parking can been attributed to Maranui Cafe and people enjoying Lyall Bay Beach.
It should be noted here that the premises will be open at the same time as Maranui, however this is unlikley to contribute to any on street car parking issues in the area.
It is also noted in this proposal that they will not be in competition with Maranui.
The ground floor will sitting area over 2 rooms with kitchen and double doors to the outside area as well as toilets. The upstairs will be a function room,office and toilets.
Access to the floors will be by internal stairs.
This proposal does not include #56 Lyall Parade,which is the smaller house next to it. It was noted that renovation work is or will be carried out on the property.
There is no indication of name or when work is due to start or be completed.
Note: The above details is very much a brief summary of the details in the resource consent proposal. Service Request number 316890.
I will be adding pictures to a album on Lyall Bay Facebook page over time and updating the progress as it happens.
**I have an additional link from Lyall Bay Facebook Page that has created a lot of interest from the community** (1)
** Resource Consent has not been issued. It has been presented to the Council but delayed due to illness of one of those attending the meeting. Only those submitted letters to the council will be to present their concerns etc. Otherwise it is not open to the public.** (2)
Second update 6th April 2015
Lyall Bay FB Page with a number of comments (1)
Lyall Bay Facebook
Wildbaynz Twitter
Please note i welcome comments or corrections which will be only published if there is a name. Anonymous comments will not be published
Updated 16th March 2015
wildbaynz/windyhillflyingclub 2014
WildBay 