Thursday 25 June 2020

The old Pahi Wharf




In the Kaipara region, where we use to live about 45 minutes away is the tiny holiday town of Pahi (pronounced Par-hee) situated at the end of the peninsula at the Kaipara Harbour. It is one of the settlements established by the early settlers known as the "Albertlanders" with the nearest town being Paparoa.  The wharf is kind of an icon in these parts and is popular with many tourists, locals and fishing people.



From my research it looks like the original wharf was completed in 1881 with repairs in 1909 but sadly was demolished in the 1960s by a Navy blasting team on a training exercise. On 19 January 1987 the new wharf was opened by then prime minister David Lange built at a cost of $4000 by local residents. These days it is managed by the Pahi Regatta Committee.



Before roads were constructed in the area, dozens of boats would arrive from Helensville in the south bringing Aucklanders and from many farms around the region. As mentioned above, every year the Pahi Regatta is held which was first begun in 1887 and involves a community event of launch races, kayak contests, runabout races and and outboard powered bathtubs - a fun family day.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

13 comments:

Tom said...

...it's always nice to be near the water, outboard powered bathtubs sound like fun.

Susan Heather said...

I love Pahi.

Tigger's Mum said...

Have you ever tried to float a bath-tub? As kids my brother and I tried to do so an an old tin bath. We had a lot to learn about ballasting. Fortunately our pond was not overly large, nor particularly deep, but it was very muddy and had lots of eels in it (and fresh water pipis - which make excellent skimming 'stones'; but that's another story).

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

That's pretty cool. Amazing how people used to get around before roads.

Bill said...

The Pahi Regatta sounds like a fun time.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

That's an interesting sea distance marker. Never seen anything like it. Beautiful photos!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

I love being on the water

Jim said...

Great shots.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, pretty views of the wharf and water. Lovely sky! Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

Graham Edwards said...

Nothing to do with Pahi Wharf but Tigger's comment made me think back to my childhood when we used to build rafts on Jackson's Pond and fish for newts and so on. One day one of the children drowned and that was the end of that. Then it was swallowed up into suburbia and someone lives in a house where it was.

NatureFootstep said...

this si one of those interesting places you want to investigate. So much hidden stories in there.

Pauline said...

Thanks for the memories, Amy. I was at the opening of the 'new' wharf. David Lange gave the impression that he was having a terrific day out, mingling with the crowd and chatting with all comers. Pahi is a great spot.

carol l mckenna said...

Amy wonderful photos of the water and wharf ~ great landscapes too!

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