Hakanoa

We may have seen the Huntly Power station and it's dominating chimney stacks, but do many of us know about Lake Hakanoa? I think that Lake Hakanoa is one of Huntly's best kept secrets, as I found out this Sunday when Elizabeth, Tomairangi and I went to check out the route for the Huntly half marathon 21km. The half marathon takes in the Hakanoa lake twice! You can learn all about the history and development of the Hakanoa walkway at http://www.huntly.co.nz/recreation.htm. The lack track is well benched, all flat and pretty much wheel chair friendly all the way around. And there are some really great points of interest, like the Green Cathedral and the 'country' gardens. The widelife is also very entertaining and curious especially if you're not familiar with Canadian geese or Pied Shags. I especially appreciated the various information boards around the track that provided a great run down of fish species and birds. More importantly, at the Hakanoa gateway a notice board provides a brief overview of the Maori and colonial history of Huntly and of how Lake Hakanoa comes to have it's name. An extract from the notice board reads...

• "Haka Noa - Lake Hakanoa derives its name from the ritualistic war chant that was performed by ancient Maori warriors belonging to local hapu (tribe), Ngati mahuta and Ngati Whawhakia. Rejoicing of the people - the time for fishing was near. It was time for the ceremony of the Noa, (lifting of the tapu) so people could fish the waters again. The naming of the lakes were done by the Chief Potatau Te Wherowhero, Te Paki and Heta Tarawhiti."

For a Hamiltonian, the Lake Hakanoa walkway is best described as an exciting work in progress and a cross between the Hamilton Lake and the Hamilton Gardens. I look forward to doing this walk again and watching the developments that occur.

How to get to Lake Hakanoa from Hamilton: Take SH 1 to Huntly. When you arrive at Huntly, turn right into Rayner Rd, then left into William St, and then right at Onslow Street. You will find yourself in the Domain, the walkway following the shoreline.