The Department of Conservation's $56,000 upgrade of
recreational and tourist facilities at the Roaring Meg
hydro station in the Kawarau Gorge is enjoyed by visitors
to the area. Photo by Rosie Manins.
Those visiting a viewing area above the Roaring Meg hydro
station in the Kawarau Gorge are now able to take in the
scenery more safely, after a $56,000 development of the area
has been completed.
Public safety was at the forefront of a Department of
Conservation decision to establish a viewing platform and
railing in the area, which has become increasingly popular
with tourists in recent years.
Doc Wakatipu area contracts manager Richard Struthers said
tourists had in past viewed the power station and the
fast-flowing Kawarau River from open rock platforms, and as
the area became more popular it was deemed important to
improve its safety.
"It was completely undeveloped, with just a rough track down
to a rocky point. People went down there anyway, but you
wouldn't have taken your grandmother or two-year-old. Now,
everyone can enjoy it," he said.
Doc first identified a need for the area to be developed
about two years ago.
Funding was sought from the Otago Conservancy and an overhaul
of the area was undertaken in collaboration with the New
Zealand Transport Agency, which paid for improved vehicle
access off State Highway 6 and a revamped car park.
Mr Struthers said Doc had to commission structural engineers
and geotechnical advice during the planning stages of the
project.
"The rocky nob has been assessed as sound, but there's still
six 5m steel rods drilled and pinned down through the rock,
capped off with quite a few cubic metres of concrete to
ensure that it all stays in one piece," he said.
information panels were installed beside the viewing
platform, detailing the area's history and archaeological
significance.
Mr Struthers said the Kirtleburn Reserve, opposite the power
station, was a registered archaeological site, and about 200m
from the Roaring Meg there was a natural rock bridge which
was used by early Maori.
The area was also popular today with tourist companies - in
particular river rafting and boarding - which made for good
viewing as well, he said.
rosie.manins@odt.co.nz
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