Viaduct Walk & Talk With Warren Bird, author of Viaducts Against the Sky
April 12th to 14th, 2013
History enthusiasts have a final chance to walk over the famous Percy Burn Viaduct before it is closed to the public –
and they can do so walking with historian Warren Bird on a special tour.
The Percy Burn Viaduct, which is 36m high and 125 long, is the largest surviving wooden viaduct in the world. It is
closing as it is considered a potential risk to public safety and a bypass around the viaduct on the South Coast Track
is currently being developed, meaning by next summer Hump Ridge Track walkers will not be able traverse the viaduct when
approaching Port Craig. Public support is growing to find a fundraising solution that will allow the viaduct to be
strengthened to enable public access again in the future.
“Civil engineer Warren Bird, author of Viaducts Against the Sky – which tells the history of the Port Craig viaducts - has a wealth of knowledge and passion for this area of the
country, and its iconic engineering heritage. We are very excited to have him as a part of this event,” said Hump Ridge
Track general manager Trish King.
Participants of the Viaduct Walk and Talk will walk in along the South Coast Track to Port Craig Village and enjoy two
nights, fully catered at Port Craig Lodge with Warren, guest speakers and other history enthusiasts. On day two
participants will have the chance to walk to the Percy Burn Viaduct as part of an interpretive walk with Warren, taking
in the historic tales along the way. While spending time at Port Craig Lodge participants will also have the opportunity
to take in the historic sites of Port Craig Village with either tours or on their own.
“Along with creating awareness on saving the Viaduct we also hope to raise some money for the Viaducts Trust and so $10
from each person will go directly towards saving the Percy Burn Viaduct.,” said Ms King.
The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a privately operated track run for and by the community of Tuatapere.
Cost: $295pp
For more information:
t: 0800 486 774
ENDS