Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Opunake Library ( 0800 111 323; opunakel@stdc.govt.nz ; Tasman St; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-1pm Sat;
) Doubles as the local visitor information centre, with a couple of internet terminals and
free 24-hour wi-fi in the forecourt.
SNELLY!
Opunake isn't just about the surf - it's also the birthplace of iconic middle-distance runner Peter Snell (b 1938),
who showed his rivals a clean set of heels at the 1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Old Snelly won the
800m gold in Italy, then followed up with 800m and 1500m golds in Japan. Legend! Check out his funky running
statue outside the library.
Hawera
POP 11,100
Don't expect much urban virtue from agricultural Hawera, the largest town in South
Taranaki. Still, it's a good pit stop for supplies, to stretch your legs, or to bed down for a
night. And don't miss Elvis!
Sights & Activities
KD's Elvis Presley Museum
( 06-278 7624; www.elvismuseum.co.nz ; 51 Argyle St; admission by donation) Elvis lives! At least he
does at Kevin D Wasley's astonishing museum, which houses over 10,000 of the King's
records and a mind-blowing collection of Elvis memorabilia collected over 50 years. 'Pas-
sion is an understatement', says KD. Just don't ask him about the chubby Vegas-era Elvis:
his focus is squarely on the rock 'n' roll King from the '50s and '60s. Admission is by ap-
pointment, phone ahead.
MUSEUM
Hawera Water Tower
( www.southtaranaki.com ; 55 High St; adult/child/family $2.50/1/6; 10am-2pm) The austere, 54.21m
Hawera Water Tower beside the i-SITE is one of the coolest things in Hawera. Grab the
key from the i-SITE, ascend the 215 steps, then scan the horizon for signs of life (you can
see the coast and Mt Taranaki on a clear day).
TOWER, LOOKOUT
Tawhiti Museum
MUSEUM
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