Tuesday 16th
January 2001
Stage
Outline
"The Magnet Trawler" at Te Kaukau Point
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The second day of our trip starts at Lake Ferry Motor Camp. First obstacle of the day is quickly found – the deceptively soft sand of the beach between Lake Ferry and Whangaimoana. Then it’s on the road that wends its way around the southern coast through Te Kopi and the fishing village of Ngawi to Cape Palliser.
Along the way we pass the Putangirua Pinnacles which are rock formations of huge grey pillars backed by sheer fluted cliffs and the beach at Ngawi with all its bulldozers and fishing boats. Cape Palliser’s claim to fame is a lighthouse built in 1897 that is 250 steps (puff puff!) above the road and the fact that it is the most southern point of the North Island.
Next we pass through White Rock, Tora, Te Awaiti and Pahaoa stations finally ending the day at Glendhu Station with the choice of either canvas or shearers quarters accommodation.
'Babe' the bulldozer at Ngawi
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Trip Report Tuesday 16 January 2001
Carlye, Karen, Shirley
Team L lead today starting Lake Ferry at 9:00 am. An uneventful drive along the beach and on to Ngawi to view the tractors and boats. We then headed on to Cape Palliser passing the horse holding up the lamp post due to 100 mph wind. We thought he deserved a “D.B.”. Several people braved the wind and walked up the 252 steps to the lighthouse lookout for fabulous views.
Carrying on we crossed the Opauawe River and on to view the Trawler “Magnet” shipwrecked on land. All the men got on it and had a play “ship ahoy”. Stopped at 12:00 pm for lunch at gateway to farm “Hiwikirikiri”, then carried on up the hill after the tidal river crossing Whakaaitu River at 1:20 pm. Carrying on to Glendhu up the winding narrow track – all safe and sound at 2:00 pm.
With L Team members being South Islanders we thought the sea views were incredible.
Saga II:- We were greeted with a howling gale at Glendhu Station, we attempted to pitch our tents and after wrecking 4 tents we abandoned the idea and moved into the Woolshed – very comfortable accommodation. We even thought about calling in to the Cossie club for a few. [These girls are joking – there is no civilisation at all at Glendhu! Ed.]
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 View down from Palliser Lighthouse |
Tenting in the woolshed at Glendhu!
The map below shows the route followed the Challenge vehicles today.
Map portions used with permission of Wises
The North Island Four Wheel Drive Challenge has been put together by a small dedicated group of 4WD enthusiasts (all experienced club members) on a non-profit cost-recovery basis.
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