Onekaka to Milnthorpe |
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Onekaka
This tiny settlement was once a major industrial area. In the 1920's and 30's local iron ore was turned into pig- iron and iron pipes at the Onekaka Ironworks. Most of the plant has now been demolished, but the last remaining evidence of this optimistic endeavour is also the easiest to get to: turn down Washbourn Road, drive a short distance to the beach and before you know it you are at the ruins of the Ironworks Wharf. Nearby is a pleasant shady picnic area and a place to launch small boats near high tide in the inlet.
Onekaka is now being rejuvenated. Newer arrivals from the 70s and 80s era have settled in and established themselves as well known jewellers, carvers, and even brewers at the well known "Mussel Inn".
Tukurua and Parapara
A fast developing area of life-style blocks and home businesses, a concentration of artists, craftsfolk, candlemakers and gardens.
There are accommodation options to suit anybody's requirement, from a tent site or cabin, a caravan site or motorhome hook-up, all in the beautiful beachside camping ground, to luxury lodges and B&B's.
Please note that the direct road access to Tukurua Beach (pictured) is private, although it is only a short walk south along the sandy beach from Parapara, where you can park your car.
Milnthorpe
This is another of those places which doesn't look anything special from the highway, but a leisurely exploration down a side road reveals unsuspected pleasures. Turn down the road marked "Milnthorpe Quay" and you soon find yourself at the old wharf (hopefully to be repaired) with a fine view of the estuary.
The road continues beyond the wharf for another half kilometre or so, 
ending in a small picnic area. Behind the low dunes is a large revegetation area, stretching back to the highway, where land once regularly burnt, otherwise mistreated and then abandoned is rapidly returning to various types of forest under the patient eye of its guardian. Maps are available for lovely walks in this area.
Just along the top of the hill at Milnthorpe is a wide panorama of valley (the Aorere) and mountain (the Wakamarama Range). On the left (signposted) is a small picket fence with displays telling the traveller about the discovery, near here, of New Zealand's first goldfield in 1857.
