Bruce de Baugh lowers
the bow ramp
Wheel down – draw bar extended
A workhorse for
PARK RANGERS
A quarter view ramp up wheel down
The rangers at Auckland Council's
Mahurangi Park have a lot of territory to cover.
The land features some fantastic Pa sites,
lovely bush walks, a grove of kowhai, and if
you're visiting from the sea you can still get
a feeling for how Maori and the early settlers
lived in New Zealand before the advent of
roads and the parks become a playground for
holiday makers in summer.
58
NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2013
Wheel up and stowed
T
he park itself is divided into three general
areas that are easily accessed in this protected
harbour by boat. There's about 180 acres
(72ha) of regenerating bush in Mahurangi
East on the eastern side of the harbour, about 10 acres
or four hectares in the land around Scotts landing, and
415 acres (167 ha) of regenerating bush at Mahurangi
West making close on 605 acres or 250 hectares in three
locations; all with differeing requirements for gear, tools
and personnel transport.
Management of this jewel is largely the responsibility
of Auckland Council. Getting around the three areas
is best carried out by water – it's only a few minutes
across the harbour by boat, but if you use 'modern' road
transport, it can take hours from Big Bay to Sullivans
Beach, especially in peak holiday time. You certainly
need a good boat to get around in when working here.
