All aboard train to Atiu Creek Regional Park

3 March 2008

Atiu Creek Regional Park officially opens to the public on Saturday 5 April and the Auckland Regional Council is offering visitors the chance to get there by train.

ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chair Sandra Coney says the train journey to the park is a great way for families to turn a trip to a regional park into a full day’s outing.

“We arranged a train last year for a preview day at the park and it was a great success. This year’s train is bigger and we hope people will take this opportunity to join us in celebrating the opening of this fantastic park,” 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.

The train will depart from The Strand at downtown Auckland on Saturday 5 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 3.00pm, arriving back in Auckland at approximately 6.15pm. Stops will be made at Newmarket, New Lynn, Henderson, Waitakere and Helensville.

Tickets cost $75.00 per adult and $45.00 per child and include the return journey, shuttle bus between Wellsford and Atiu Creek Farm and a snack on board.

For further information and to book tickets phone the ARC’s northern sector parks office on 09 426 1200. Tickets are limited so those wishing to travel by train are advised to make their booking as soon as possible. Tickets are on sale from 3 – 14 March.

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 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 provided and visitors will be able to join in the official opening celebrations.

Visitors are invited to bring a picnic and come prepared for walking. Atiu Creek Regional Park 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

Editors please note:
- More information about the opening of Atiu Creek Regional Park will be released very soon

About Atiu Creek Regional Park
- 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.

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