Matemateāonga Range facts for kids
The Matemateāonga Range is a group of rugged hills found in the western part of New Zealand's North Island. You can find it in the northern area of the Manawatū-Whanganui region. These hills are located on the western side of the Whanganui River, stretching between the towns of Whanganui and Taumarunui. It's a place known for its beautiful, wild landscapes.
The Matemateāonga Track: A Historic Walkway
In the late 1970s, a government department called the Department of Survey and Land Information had a big idea. They wanted to create a long walking trail that would connect Cape Egmont on the west coast all the way to East Cape on the east coast of the North Island. This ambitious project was called the 'Cape Egmont to East Cape' walkway.
Building the Matemateāonga Section
The section of this proposed walkway that goes through the Matemateāonga Range was one of the first parts to be finished. It was completed in the 1970s. This part of the trail is still used today by hikers and adventurers.
A Path Through History
The Matemateāonga track isn't just a modern walking trail. It has a long and interesting history. It was originally a traditional trail used by Māori people for travel and trade. Later, in the early 1900s, it became a "dray track." A dray is a type of cart, so this means it was wide enough for carts to pass through, likely used for moving goods or supplies. This makes the Matemateāonga track a path that has been important for many generations.
