Train excursion to Atiu Creek Regional Park

2 April 2007

The public is being offered the chance to explore Atiu Creek Farm, one of the region's future regional parks, and to get there by train.

The special excursion train to Wellsford will connect with a shuttle bus to the farm.

Atiu Creek Farm will be officially opened as a regional park next year but the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is opening the gates for a special preview on Sunday 15 April.

ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chair Councillor Sandra Coney says the train offers a unique journey to the northern reaches of the Auckland region along a rail-line currently reserved for freight.

"This preview day is a wonderful opportunity for people to come and see for themselves this magnificent new Kaipara property. It's a part of the region many people will not have been to before.

"Getting there on the train will make the day a real adventure. People can drive there too, and, as the farm is large, there will be mini buses to ferry them round the park so they can see the wonderful vistas and features of the property," she says.

Atiu Creek Farm was gifted to the people of New Zealand by Pierre and Jackie Chatelanat in October 2005. The 843 hectare property was entrusted to the ARC so that future generations may enjoy unspoilt access to this part of the Kaipara Harbour forever.

ARC Deputy Chair and Rodney representative Councillor Christine Rose says a lot of work needs to be done to get the farm ready for its opening next year.

"We have begun work on arrival areas and have planned some of the infrastructure and facilities that are needed, and this will be completed over the next year.

"Atiu Creek Farm is a great property for walking, tramping and exploring. It has a very interesting history that stretches back to early Maori occupation. There is also a state of the art woolshed, with air conditioning, and Pierre Chatelanat's original Caterpillar bulldozer.

"There will be a great deal for people to see and do, including ranger talks and self-guided walks. We hope lots of people will take this opportunity to visit the Kaipara for a preview, especially since there's the opportunity of travelling there by train," she says.

The Silver Fern train will depart Britomart on Sunday 15 April at 7.35am and arrive at Wellsford at 10.50am (approximately three and a half hour journey). The return journey will leave Wellsford at 4.00pm, arriving back at Britomart at 7.15pm.

Tickets cost $50.00 per adult and $30.00 per child and include the return journey, shuttle bus between Wellsford and Atiu Creek Farm and a snack box. Passengers can board the train at Britomart, Newmarket, New Lynn, Henderson, Waitakere and Helensville.

For further information and to book tickets phone the ARC's northern sector parks office on 09 426 1200.

For visitors wishing to travel by car, the route from Wellsford will be well sign posted and parking is available.

Atiu Creek Farm is approximately 20 kilometres west of Wellsford on the Tapora Peninsula. Go to www.arc.govt.nz to download directions or phone 09 426 1200 for further information.

On the day visitors will be able to explore the park. Gates open at 11.00am and ranger-guided and self-guided walks will be on offer. A shuttle bus loop will allow people to 'hop on and hop off' and take in lookout points, farm machinery displays and a little of the history of the property.

A sausage sizzle lunch will be served at 1.00pm and visitors will be able to hear how the development of Atiu Creek Farm as a regional park is progressing.

Visitors are invited to bring a picnic and come prepared for walking. Atiu Creek Farm is a vast property which requires time, energy and good footwear to explore! Walking tracks have been designed to suit all ages and abilities.

ENDS

About Atiu Creek Farm
* Atiu Creek Farm was gifted to the people of New Zealand and entrusted to the ARC on 5 October 2005 by Pierre and Jackie Chatelanat
* The title for the property transferred to the ARC on 1 July 2006
* The property will continue to operate as a farm and will be a farm park when it opens to the public.

Note to Editors
* Atiu Creek Farm is now managed by the ARC. Please do not attempt to contact Mr and Mrs Chatelanat.
* If you require any additional comment, please contact Jo Davidson on 09 366 2000 x8071

Photographs
* Attached low resolution photographs show various aspects of Atiu Creek Farm
* High resolution files available on request, please contact Jo Davidson.

Directions to Atiu Creek Farm
By car from Auckland:
* Journey north on State Highway One to Wellsford. When you enter the outskirts of the township, take the first left onto Davies Road. At the end of Davies Road, turn left onto Port Albert Road.
* Travel 3kms to the Port Albert turn-off and turn right. Continue towards the settlement of Port Albert; turn sharp left at the junction of Port Albert and Wharehine Roads, on a sharp bend.
* Follow the tar-sealed road for a further 12kms. Atiu Creek Farm is on the right hand side of Run Road. This route will be clearly sign-posted.

By car from the north:
* Travel through Wellsford township and turn right onto Port Albert Road at the Caltex petrol station and service centre.
* Follow directions as above.

By car from State Highway 16:
* If travelling north via State Highway 16, turn left at Port Albert turn-off and follow directions as above.

ENDS

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