Waitaha Pā View, Whanganui

Look for the signpost on the right 5.9km from the Dublin Street Bridge along SH4.

“For a look at the old and the modern, take a visit to Waitaha pa, a few kilometres up river from Whanganui. Best done on a fine day, you may be lucky enough to be on top of the hill as the MV Waimarie puffs its way by.

Snaking below you in the same landscape is State Highway 4 with the occasional vehicle passing by on its way to or from the city. Sit back and reflect that you’re standing on an ancient pa site, observing an important relic of the riverboat era, while modern day vehicles pass by.

The route up to Waitaha pa is posted only and involves a short but steep climb to the top. Visitors are asked not to eat or smoke on the site. There is ample parking available although visitors travelling up from Whanganui should drive past the entrance to the pa and turn around using one of the road intersection 500 metres or so beyond the site so they approach the parking area from the north. Please do not block the farm gates.

For an easier climb to the top and plenty of time to explore the site (and watch the world go by) allow a good 60 – 90 minutes.”