Makara Wind Farm and Fort Opau

At West Wind Meridian Energy have harnessed one of New Zealand's best wind resources with this productive 62 turbine power station. A turn-off on the Makara Rd leads to a viewing platform sited near an old Post Office communication centre. Views in one direction show the wind-farm while the other looks out to sea above Makara. A short walk joins with the Makara Walkway and at the site of the former Fort Opau barracks there is picnic site relatively sheltered from the northerly wind. The old gun emplacements near the barracks provide a great viewing platform across Cook Strait to the South Island. Access through the wind farm gives an easy way to see these views which previously required a steep climb up from Makara Beach.

Interpretation panels give the history of Fort Opua and the gun emplacements.

Watch the West Wind Story here.

WELLINGTON SOUTH COAST DISCOVERY HELICOPTER FLIGHT

Image Credit: Koenraad Kuiper