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Huntly Pouwhenua



These Pouwhenua (landmarks) along the new Huntly bypass section of the Waikato Expressway standout from the highway. We weren't able to stop but I had to quickly get a shot of them as we drove past. 

Apparently they symbolize the fairy people or Patupaiarehe and their connection to this part of New Zealand. Named "Te Kaahui Hakuturi" they stand 20m above the ground looking down onto travellers from the summit of the Taupiri Range. They are carved from treated radiata pine and each one looks in a different direction guarding all that come through the whenua (land). 

Linking up with Our World Tuesday, Tuesday Treasures, Through my lens, Travel Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, My Corner of the World.

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Comments

NatureFootstep said…
glad to see you got a shot of them. :)
29 June 2021 at 07:42
Sallie (FullTime-Life) said…
All of us who drive and travel could use guardians! Glad for the picture!

Sallie
29 June 2021 at 08:14
Tom said…
...many things are difficult to photograph from the road.
29 June 2021 at 08:31
NCSue said…
That's fascinating! So glad to have seen these photos and to learn about the Pouwhenua. Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2021/06/arty-sea-world.html
29 June 2021 at 08:59
Fun60 said…
Well done for the photo. I'm usually much too slow to capture something from the car.
29 June 2021 at 09:31
Lydia C. Lee said…
I didn't know NZ had fairy people. Interesting. Might google a bit more on that. #WWOT
29 June 2021 at 09:36
Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said…
They are interesting to see and learn about about!
29 June 2021 at 10:11
Yogi♪♪♪ said…
That's is very cool!!
29 June 2021 at 10:30
At Home In New Zealand said…
I look at them every time I drive that road, and always wish there was somewhere to stop to take a closer look :)
29 June 2021 at 10:32
Amypie71 said…
Agree with you, I think there is a way to stop there but you'd have to actually go into Huntly itself maybe.
29 June 2021 at 10:35
Tigger's Mum said…
It would be a great shame if there isn't some way - a walking trail so they could be approached respectfully say - so that people could appreciate their detail.
29 June 2021 at 17:08
Bill said…
Very nice to see. Great moving car photo, Amy. Sometimes I miss my shot from the bus window if I'm not fast enough but I try to be ready the next time when I know it's coming up.
30 June 2021 at 08:42
PerthDailyPhoto said…
Good drive by shot Amy. They look impressive standing there on the hill looking down, love the idea that they are protecting travelers ✨
30 June 2021 at 22:43
magiceye said…
Fascinating story.
1 July 2021 at 01:02
Sharon said…
I like this. What a great display. They really do look like they are watching the travelers.
1 July 2021 at 03:22
Yvonne said…
How interesting!
2 July 2021 at 04:48
betty-NZ said…
We haven't been up that way in a while so will have to look for them next time.

Your link this week at 'My Corner of the World' is appreciated!
3 July 2021 at 10:23
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