Arataki Visitor Centre

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.

Arataki Visitor Centre
Address300 Scenic Drive, Oratia, Auckland 0604
Coordinates36.94701°S 174.60646°E / -36.94701; 174.60646
Construction
Built1994

History
View of the Lower Nihotupu Reservoir and the Manukau Harbour from the Arataki Visitor Centre

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 visitor centre was opened in 1994,[4] with a design by Harry Turbott.[5][6] 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.[7] 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.[8]

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,[9] followed by a formal closure of the tracks by Auckland Council in April 2018.[10] The upper Arataki Nature Trail was one of the first tracks to reopen after track upgrades, in May 2018.[11]

Facility
Kauri trees framed by a regional tourism picture frame at the Arataki Visitor Centre

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.[12][13] As of 2023, the full track remains closed due to the effects of Kauri dieback.[14]

The visitor centre is also used as a gallery space, such as for nature photography,[15] and fibre installations by New Zealand weaver Maureen Lander.[16]

References
  1. Charman, Paul (11 August 2014). "Waitakeres adventure begins at the 'I centre'". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  2. Salamat, Hidayah (6 August 2022). "After 2 difficult pandemic years, I found closure – and rediscovered bliss – in New Zealand". Channel News Asia. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  3. Dench, Alison; Parore, Lee-anne (30 April 2011). "Walking the Waitakere Ranges". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  4. Cameron, Ewen; Hayward, Bruce; Murdoch, Graeme (2008). A Field Guide to Auckland: Exploring the Region's Natural and Historical Heritage (Revised ed.). Random House New Zealand. p. 177. ISBN 978-1-86962-1513.
  5. Watkins, Tony (2021). "Harry Turbott in the Wide World". Back Story Journal of New Zealand Art, Media & Design History (10): 49–61. doi:10.24135/backstory.vi10.70. ISSN 2703-1713. S2CID 249997321.
  6. Rees-Owen, Rose (21 March 2016). "Obituary: landscape architect Harry Turbott mourned by Karekare". Western Leader. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  7. Irwin, Geoff; Walrond, Carl (1 May 2016). "When was New Zealand first settled? - Genealogical dating". Te Ara. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  8. Coney, Sandra. "New pou for Arataki visitor centre | Piha | Piha Beach | Piha New Zealand". www.piha.co.nz. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  9. Smith, Simon (1 December 2017). "Iwi ban on entering Auckland park has support and detractors". Stuff. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  10. Wilson, Simon (20 February 2018). "Auckland Council to close Waitakere Ranges". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  11. OurAuckland (4 May 2018). "Arataki tracks open this weekend". Auckland Council. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  12. Daniell, Sarah (20 February 2016). "West Auckland: Walk the Hillary way". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  13. OurAuckland (22 February 2021). "Track reopening makes western coastline more accessible". Auckland Council. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  14. "Te Ara o Hillary Hillary Trail". Auckland Council. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  15. Foxcroft, Debrin (25 January 2018). "West Auckland photographer channels her love of birds". Stuff. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  16. "Artist Inspired by Local Landmarks". The Big Idea, Te Aria Nui. 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
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