The morning started with some very light rain however by 10am it had turned sunny and fine. We did some light shopping before lunch and then the attraction of the tower on the hill behind our mooring became too great and we had to explore.
After examining the map I identified it as Castle Hill and the structure is the Victoria Tower. I plotted a route mostly using parks and public footpaths before uploaded it to the gps.
The distance proved to be much less than I’d anticipated (approx 10km). On reaching the top we noticed what appeared to be the outline of earthworks forming a defensive perimeter.
Wikipedia suggests these earthworks date from the Middle Ages, although the hill appeared to be occupied since the Bronze Age. The Victoria Tower was erected in 1899 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria.
The tower is open to the public on weekends.
From the summit there are good views of the surrounding countryside. The concrete tower of the Emley Moor TV Transmitter can be seen to the south-east.
This is the 3rd tower to be erected on the site. The 2nd was blown down during a fierce winter storm.
Huddersfield
Looking north-west.
It’s a shame there is so much haze as it limits the visibility.
On our return to Waiouru there was time to complete a few maintenance tasks, including fitting and testing the new temporary horn.
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