Photo: J.Thomson |
In good weather, this rugged environment is
the best place in the Wellington area for bouldering (low level rock climbing), but it is also a spectacular place to witness the effects of tectonic uplift on a coastline.
From the end of the Wainuiomata Coast Road, follow the track to Turakirae Head seal colony, which is about 40 minute's walk. On the way you may notice that there are gentle steps in the landscape running parallel to the shoreline.
Photo L.Homer / GNS Science |
Photo L.Homer / GNS Science |
The most recent uplift was during the 1855 earthquake. This involved a massive rupture along the Wairarapa Fault that passes very close to Turakirae Head. It was New Zealand's largest historic 'quake, with an estimated magnitude of 8.2. It caused widespread damage, such as numerous massive slips in the Rimutakas, but fortunately few fatalities. A similar magnitude earthquake in Wellington nowadays might be a different matter simply because of the denser population and more developed infrastructure..
For more information on the Wellington earthquake hazard check out the GNS website here
Turakirae Head featured on the Coasters programme recently, hosted by Steve Logan who met me there with his film crew from Fisheye Films on his way along to Palliser Bay. The flat path like line extending into the middle distance is the top of the pre 1855 storm ridge. Although very rocky it makes for a reasonable 4WD or walking track.
In case you missed the programme on TV1 on Saturday 22nd June, you can watch it online here.
As well as Steve and the crew from Fisheye Films, we were accompanied by Sophie and Frank (right in photo) - two local Lower Hutt climbers who were part of the support team.
Here is the GeoTrip information for you if you would like to visit Turakirae: www.geotrips.org.nz/trip.html?id=249
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