Local Landmarks

Landmarks and hidden gems around Raahui Pookeka Huntly

Huntly is a town rich in history and natural beauty, with landmarks that tell the story of its past and present. From the industrial significance of the Huntly Power Station to the nostalgic charm of the DEKA sign, each site offers a glimpse into the town’s unique character.

Nature lovers will appreciate the serene landscapes around Lake Hakanoa, perfect for a peaceful walk or a day of fishing. The Ralph Mine Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the miners who lost their lives, reflecting the resilience and spirit of the Huntly community. Dive into the maps and information provided to explore these landmarks and discover what makes Huntly a special place to live and visit.

Click on a link below to learn about local Raahui Pookeka Huntly landmarks.

Click on a link below to learn about local Raahui Pookeka Huntly landmarks.
Scroll to the left to find more links.

Lake Hakanoa

Lake Hakanoa, on the eastern side of Huntly, is a calm and lovely spot that both locals and visitors enjoy. The lake is surrounded by green areas, making it a great place to relax.
Next to the lake is the Huntly Domain, which is perfect for picnics, family outings, and lazy afternoons. The domain has two playgrounds, a dog run, basketball and tennis courts, and a skatepark. It’s a fantastic place to have fun outdoors with family and friends. The lake is also home to many birds, making it a favourite spot for birdwatchers.

The Huntly Domain is a lively area with lots of activities and clubs. It hosts the Huntly Bowling Club, Huntly Bridge Club, Huntly Squash Club, Huntly Thistles Football Club, Huntly Aquatic Centre, and Huntly Memorial Hall. Creative Huntly will also be moving to the domain soon. The domain is the starting point for the Lake Hakanoa Walkway, a scenic trail that goes around the lake. Click here for more details about the walking track.

Whether you’re looking to take a walk, have a picnic, or join in community activities, Lake Hakanoa and the Huntly Domain have something for everyone.

Huntly Power Station

Since the 1980s, the Huntly Power Station has been a defining feature of the town. Its 150-meter-high chimneys are a familiar sight, visible from nearly every spot in Huntly. The power station has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, bringing a sense of pride to the local community. Whether you’re exploring the town or taking in the view from the Waikato River, the power station is a constant reminder of Huntly’s significant contribution to New Zealand’s energy supply.

Huntly Power Station is New Zealand’s largest thermal power station, with impressive power generation capabilities. It operates five generating units: three 250 MW coal-and-gas-fired steam turbine units, a 50 MW gas peaking plant, and a 403 MW combined cycle gas turbine plant. This diverse setup allows the station to provide essential electricity and voltage support to the Northland, Auckland, and Waikato regions. Over the years, the power station has adapted to meet changing energy demands, ensuring it remains a vital part of New Zealand’s energy infrastructure.

The Ralph Mine Memorial

The Ralph Mine Memorial stands as a tribute to the 43 men who lost their lives in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most tragic mining disasters. Located near the original mine site, the memorial features a large model poppet head and a memorial stone, unveiled in 2014 to mark the centennial of the disaster. Additionally, a miniature replica of a mine poppet head and a memorial board showing the locations of the victims’ graves can be found at the Huntly cemetery. These elements collectively honour the memory of the miners and serve as a reminder of the town’s mining heritage and the resilience of its community.

The disaster occurred on September 12, 1914, when a massive explosion rocked Ralph’s Mine in Huntly, sending a column of smoke, dust, and flames into the air. The explosion, caused by a miner’s naked acetylene cap-lamp igniting methane gas, resulted in the deaths of 43 men. The aftermath was harrowing, with rescue efforts hampered by dangerous gas build-ups and small fires. The last body was not recovered until 15 days after the explosion.

Whakataki Paa

Designed by Te Waamu McGrath, Whakataki Paa towers over the Waikato Expressway. Accessible from Ralph Road, the sculpture is a striking tribute to Raahui Pookeka Huntly’s rich Maaori heritage. Named after a paa that once stood in the area, the impressive artwork commemorates the historical significance of parts of the area to local Maaori.

Whakataki Paa stands proudly and invites both locals and visitors to reflect on the deep-rooted history and traditions that continue to shape Raahui Pookeka Huntly’s identity.

Te Ahurei O Waikato

Created by renowned artist Lyonel Grant, Te Ahurei O Waikato celebrates the deep Maaori heritage of the Waikato region. Commemorating the Waikato Raupato Land Settlement Act signed between Waikato and the Crown in 1995, the sculpture portrays the people of Waikato thrusting their journey into the land, confirming that it belongs to them and they to the land.

The DEK*A Sign

Towering over Main Street, the DEKA sign has become an iconic landmark in Raahui Pookeka Huntly. Originally part of the DEKA retail chain, which closed in 2001, the sign was preserved by the store’s owner, who had previously owned another DEKA store. Their decision to keep the sign was driven by a deep sentimental attachment, one that has spread to the rest of the town.

Since the store’s closure, the DEKA sign has grown in significance, becoming a beloved symbol of Raahui Pookeka Huntly. The local community worked together to give the sign a facelift and new lighting in 2013, allowing the icon to be visible at night. Today it stands as a icon of pride for the town, reflecting Raahui Pookeka Huntly’s unique character and charm.

lake Puketirini

Lake Puketirini, located just west of Huntly, is a well-loved spot for both locals and visitors. This former coal mine has been transformed into a beautiful lake, perfect for swimming and enjoying water activities. The clear waters make it an ideal place for a refreshing dip on a warm day. The lake is also home to New Zealand’s only commercial diving school, where students from around the world come to train. This adds a unique touch to the area, making it a hub for diving enthusiasts.

The area around Lake Puketirini is great for outdoor activities. There are plenty of spots for picnics and relaxing by the water. For those who enjoy walking, there is a scenic track that circles the lake, offering lovely views and a peaceful environment. You can find more details about the walking track here.

Tainui Bridge

Opened in 1959, The Tainui Bridge is a key landmark in Raahui Pookeka Huntly, connecting the east and west sides of the town across the Waikato River. This bridge features a distinctive arch design, providing both strength and matching the bends in the river. It has undergone several upgrades, including a major strengthening project in 2005 to ensure it can handle modern traffic loads.

Download Useful Maps

Explore Huntly with our detailed town map, which highlights key landmarks, facilities, and points of interest. This map is your guide to navigating the town, ensuring you don’t miss any of the notable sites that make Huntly unique.

For nature enthusiasts, our detailed map of the walking tracks around Lake Hakanoa and Lake Puketirini offers a closer look at the scenic trails. Whether you’re planning a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, this map provides all the information you need to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and recreational opportunities these lakes have to offer.

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Our goal is to create the ultimate online resource for Huntly, and we need your help.

If you have information about a community organization or local business, click the link below to see how you can get involved and share your story with the wider community.

Your guide to the heart of
Raahui Pookeka Huntly.

Te Ipurangi