|
| |
Kurow and the Hakataramea Valley
|
Construction of the historic bridges
across the Waitaki in the 1880's led to a rapid development of Kurow and the
surrounding area. Kurow had been the railhead since 1881, and many of its
historically important limestone buildings trace their origins to this bustling
era. Another stage in development arrived with the construction of the Waitaki
Dam in the late 20's and early 30's.
|
Kurow
|
Present-day Kurow, gateway to the
high country, is a farm service community strategically located at the
junction of SH82 and SH83. It enjoys a reputation for excellent fishing -
both brown and rainbow trout - and hunting - ducks, Canada Goose, quail and
chukor in season; rabbits, hares, pigs and wallabies year round.
Read about local celebrities "the Hay family".
The Waitaki, from Kurow to sea,
is one of the country's best jet boating rivers and also has good canoeing
along many of its numerous braids.
The mountains around Kurow rise to 2,000 metres, the tallest of which is Te
Kohurau. Awakino Skifield, in the St Marys Range, is a small club field with
one ropetow and a friendly atmosphere. |
The Hakatramea Valley
The low hills behind Hakataramea township hide the surprisingly large
Hakataramea Valley from the Waitaki traveller. In the 1860's the New Zealand
and Australian Land Company leased most of the valley from the Crown.
Settlers began free-holding from 1878 and settlement flourished when the
Kurow bridges opened in 1881.
One hundred years of traditional farming practice came under scrutiny in
1985 following a drought and wind erosion of the soil. Farmers and
scientists combined to find conservation tillage techniques and pest/drought
tolerant plants, both of which protected the soil to provide sustainable
pasture production.
The Hakataramea River, noted for its brown trout fly fishing, offers
excellent swimming, picnicking and camping spots. In the early 1900's it was
the site of New Zealand's first salmon hatchery, an endeavour that spawned
the now famous Waitaki salmon fishery. The scenic drive to the headwaters,
bounded by mountains to the west and hills to the east, then on through Haka
Pass, is a superb introduction to the Mackenzie Country. |
| |
|
