Arataki Visitor Centre Explained

Arataki Visitor Centre
Address:300 Scenic Drive, Oratia, Auckland 0604
Built:1994

Arataki Visitor Centre is a tourism and education centre in West Auckland, New Zealand, often described as the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges.[1] [2] [3] The centre provides information about the Waitākere Ranges, and organises educational events.

History

The Arataki Nature Trail, located near the site of the visitor centre, was first opened in 1974. The name Arataki is a Māori language word, meaning an "instructional path".[4] The plant identification trail features examples of different species found in the Waitākere Ranges.[5]

The visitor centre was opened in 1994,[4] with a design by Harry Turbott.[6] [7] The carved pou at the entrance of the centre depicts the ancestors of Te Kawerau ā Maki, including Tiriwā (the namesake of the Waitākere Ranges name in Māori, Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa), followed by Rakatāura / Hape (tohunga of the Tainui), Hoturoa, Maki (the namesake ancestor of Te Kawerau ā Maki) and his son and grandson.[8] The pou was removed in 2009 due to damage to the wood, and was replaced with a new pou constructed from fallen kauri from the Waitākere Ranges.[9]

In late 2017, Te Kawerau ā Maki placed a rāhui on the tracks of the Waitākere Ranges, due to the effects of Kauri dieback on the forest,[10] followed by a formal closure of the tracks by Auckland Council in April 2018.[11] The upper Arataki Nature Trail was one of the first tracks to reopen after track upgrades, in May 2018.[12]

Facility

The Arataki Visitor Centre is the start point for the Hillary Trail, a multi-day walk through the Waitākere Ranges to Muriwai which opened in January 2010.[13] [14] As of 2023, the full track remains closed due to the effects of Kauri dieback.[15] The centre is also the starting point for the Rangemore Track, and a five-minute educational nature walk, which explores the different forest biomes found in the Waitākere Ranges.[16]

The visitor centre is also used as a gallery space, including nature photography,[17] and fibre installations by New Zealand weaver Maureen Lander.[18]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Waitakeres adventure begins at the 'I centre' . Paul . Charman. 11 August 2014 . . 19 January 2023.
  2. Web site: After 2 difficult pandemic years, I found closure – and rediscovered bliss – in New Zealand . Hidayah . Salamat. 6 August 2022 . Channel News Asia . 19 January 2023.
  3. Web site: Walking the Waitakere Ranges . Alison . Dench . Lee-anne . Parore. 30 April 2011 . . 19 January 2023.
  4. Book: Cameron . Ewen . Hayward . Bruce . Bruce Hayward . Murdoch . Graeme . A Field Guide to Auckland: Exploring the Region's Natural and Historical Heritage . 978-1-86962-1513 . Random House New Zealand . 2008 . 177 . Revised.
  5. 35-36.
  6. 10.24135/backstory.vi10.70. 2703-1713. 10. 49–61. Watkins. Tony. Harry Turbott in the Wide World. Back Story Journal of New Zealand Art, Media & Design History. 2021. 249997321. free.
  7. News: Obituary: landscape architect Harry Turbott mourned by Karekare . 21 March 2016 . Western Leader . 3 April 2016 . Rose . Rees-Owen.
  8. Web site: When was New Zealand first settled? - Genealogical dating . Geoff . Irwin . Carl . Walrond . 1 May 2016 . . 19 January 2023.
  9. Web site: Coney . Sandra . New pou for Arataki visitor centre Piha Piha Beach Piha New Zealand . www.piha.co.nz . 7 June 2018.
  10. Web site: Iwi ban on entering Auckland park has support and detractors . Simon . Smith . 1 December 2017 . . 19 January 2023.
  11. Web site: Auckland Council to close Waitakere Ranges . Simon . Wilson. 20 February 2018 . . 19 January 2023.
  12. Web site: Arataki tracks open this weekend . 4 May 2018 . OurAuckland. . 19 January 2023.
  13. Web site: West Auckland: Walk the Hillary way . Sarah . Daniell . 20 February 2016 . . 19 January 2023.
  14. Web site: Track reopening makes western coastline more accessible . 22 February 2021 . OurAuckland. . 19 January 2023.
  15. Web site: Te Ara o Hillary Hillary Trail . . 19 January 2023.
  16. Book: Harvey, Bob . Untamed Coast: Auckland's Waitakere Ranges and Heritage Area . 978-0-908988-67-9 . revised and updated . 2012 . Exisle Publishing. Auckland. 24.
  17. Web site: West Auckland photographer channels her love of birds . Debrin . Foxcroft . 25 January 2018 . . 19 January 2023.
  18. News: Artist Inspired by Local Landmarks. 7 January 2015. The Big Idea, Te Aria Nui. 2011.

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