Hatea Loop - Huarahi o te Whai

A 4.2km track winds around the Whangarei’s inner harbour on a multi-use path, crossing new bridges which contribute to Whangarei's claim to be a city of bridges. One, known as Te Matau a Pohe, is a fishhook-shaped bascule that lifts for boats to pass. It is named after the fishhook of Pohe, a fisherman who once lived on the island. A smaller bridge Kotuitui Whiti, meaning ‘to interweave and connect with the land,’ is a swivel bridge that opens like a gate and has a distinctively different design. It invokes its piles as the ko, a Maori digging stick, the stainless steel woven-mesh sides (a net), and the weaving patterns of the kete (food bag) are reflected in the deck. A number of sculptures enliven the route.

Image Credit: Alanah Stigsdottir