The
Heritage Trail is developed by the
New Zealand Heritage
Trails Foundation.
For more information on the
New Zealand Heritage Trails Foundation visit www.heritagetrails.org.nz
Each New Zealand community and region is rich in it's own unique historic,
cultural and natural heritage. To support this, the New Zealand Heritage
Trails Foundation, a charitable trust, was founded in 1989 with it
key functions as follows:
* Co-ordinate & promote regional and national tourism developments
concerned with New Zealand's heritage resources:
* Facilitate and promote the networking of community heritage sites and
resources through the establishment of heritage trail touring routes:
* Preserve and promote regional and national heritage resources:
* Facilitate and promote opportunities for employment and enterprise in
the area of heritage tourism.
Extending over a large area of central New Zealand
trails developed by communities from Wanganui, portray perfectly the
pioneering history of this area, revealing the homes, workplaces, temples
of worship and sites of rest that have contributed
to the heritage of Wanganui and its hinterland. Encompassing
several themes, trails will lead you on a journey of discovery of the
often overlooked history of this area, visiting tranquil villages and
towns where
the legacy of pioneers can still be experienced today.
Wanganui Trails: Wanganui West Trail, Old Cemetery
Heritage Walk, East of Whanganui Trail, Three Valley Trail
Printed
Guides to these trails are available from the i-SITE Wanganui Visitor Centre
Tel 349 0508 Fax 349 0509 email: infocenter@wanganui.govt.nz
| HAUNUI
TRAILS The Wanganui West Heritage Trail is one of a series in the Manawatu/Wanganui area known collectively as the Haunui Trails. Haunui is derived from the Maori chief Haunui a Paparangi and his descendant Haupipi whose unfaithful wife Wairaka eloped with her lover Weku down the southwest coast of the North Island. As Haupipi pursued her southwards he named the principal rivers Whanganui, Whangaehu, Turakina, Rangitikei, Manawatu and Ohau after the difficulties he experienced in crossing them. Haupipi finally found Wairaka near Paekakariki where he commanded her to wade into the sea to gather shellfish for his tea. When the water had reached her waist Haupipi uttered a sacred chant and Wairaka was turned into stone where she stands as a rock at Wairaka to the west of Pukerua Bay. |