Tokaanu Wharf. Lake Taupo. New Zealand.
S 38° 57.195 E 175° 45.740
60H E 392755 N 5687683
The Tokaanu Wharf on southern Lake Taupo dates from the early 1800's and is one of the oldest structures of its kind in New Zealand.
Waymark Code: WM6PH8
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 07/01/2009
Views: 4
Having recently undergone restoration, the long wooden wharf at Tokaanu stretches out into the southern waters of Lake Taupo.
Its hard to imagine Tokaanu as a busy port but in the late 1800's good roads were few and far between. The easiest transport was by boat. Goods shipped north across the lake included wool, dairy products and flax, and mail and food supplies came in on the return journey. The first steamers anchored off shore and goods were ferried ashore. The wharf was probably built in the late 1870s.
The wharf played an important part in New Zealand's tourism. The nearby thermal pools were a highlight on the 'Grand Tour' of North Island volcanic attractions with the steamer bringing passengers to Tokaanu Wharf. Tourists travelling the grand tourist route from Wanganui to Tauranga arrived by stage coach from Waiouru, stayed the night in the Tokaanu Hotel, then departed from the historic Tokaanu wharf by steam launch for Taupo at the northern end of the lake. However, road transport improved and regular lake services stopped in the mid 1920s. The wharf declined and has just recently been restored to its original condition. Where possible original beams, decking and handrail timbers were re-used.
The Tokaanu Wharf is a popular picnic location and a good fishing spot for trout.
Type of pier: Public
Expenses: 0
Parking is available: Yes
Web site: [Web Link]
Contact information:
Turangi i-Site Centre
Ngwaka Place, Turangi.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Fishing Regulations: Trout fishing: requires a local Taupo fishing licence. Cat fish: catch as much as you like! They are pests.
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Visit Instructions:
Post a photo or tell a vivid enough account of the visit to convince the reader that you know what you are talking about. Old visits are welcome if you can relate a good story to them. Fish stories are always welcome :)