Foxton

To Maori this area was known as Te Awahou, with the Manawatu river being an important canoe route. European settlement in Foxton,a port on the Manawatu river, occurred relatively early. As the flax-milling capital of New Zealand, NZ Flax (Phormium tenax) played a major role in Foxton's development. Flax was exported from the river port for use in wool packs and other purposes such as fibrous plaster utilising a coarse fibre. One of the town's several museums, that devoted to flax milling,provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Formerly known for its service to the flax industry, rich Maori heritage and iconic replica windmill, now a new complex combines history, Maori and Dutch alike in Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom which is surrounded by a park and and several related attractions.
After significant repairs, the windmill is a feature of the new complex, which includes the flax stripping museum, new cafes named The Dutch Oven and the millside cafe, Foxton horse-drawn tram.'

As well as the classic windmill, De Molen, Dutch attractions now include a Saturday Dutch market, and a museum named Oranjehof Connection, dedicated to immigrants from The Netherlands to all over New Zealand, not just the local district. Well-supported by a variety of Dutch organisations, the offerings are historical, cultural and some culinary. The adventures of Dutch explorer Abel Tasman are described along with the 'first contact' meeting between Maori and his crew in Golden Bay in 1642.

The Information Centre is in the Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom Complex. Opening hours for each attraction can be foundhere.

Image Credits: Koenraad Kuiper