Category Archives: rural location

Te Apiti Wind Farm: near Ashurst, North Island

Posted on 21 October 2011 by

New Zealand has a long history of windmill use, particularly the traditional ‘American-style’ windmills that look like a circular fanned hand of cards, typically to pump water for stock.  Windmills operate mills and pumps, whereas wind turbines are used as … Continue reading →

Posted in free, new zealand, North Island, rural location, tower, wind turbines | Leave a comment

Central North Island: Makatote Viaduct

Posted on 31 July 2011 by

Located a short distance south of National Park in the central North Island, the Makatote Viaduct is one of several rail viaducts designed and constructed in the early 1900s as part of the Main Trunk Line development.  It is also … Continue reading →

Posted in engineering heritage, free, new zealand, North Island, railway, rural location, steel trestle | Leave a comment

Northland: Ruapekapeka Pa

Posted on 24 February 2011 by

Hidden in isolated rural hinterland near Kaikohe, Ruapekapeka Pa is a testament to the engineering expertise of local Maori chief Te Ruki Kawiti who designed and built it a mere five years after the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Kawiti was uncle and … Continue reading →

Posted in engineering heritage, free, Maori heritage, military, new zealand, North Island, rural location, tunnel | Leave a comment

Central North Island, NZ: Raurimu Spiral

Posted on 5 February 2011 by

Rail is a great way to move produce and people simply and relatively quickly.  Even with the advent of air travel, rail has retained both its usefulness and its mystique.  Rail buffs still hanker for the opportunity to experience the … Continue reading →

Posted in engineering heritage, free, new zealand, North Island, railway, rural location | Leave a comment