Te Raekaihau Point
Te Raekaihau Point is a rugged coastal landform in New Zealand. It is located between Houghton Bay to the West and Lyall Bay to the East. It is in close proximity to a major population centre, the capital city, Wellington.
Current uses
- Diving
- Scenic Photography
- Walking
- Relaxation / Chilling
- Picnics
- Eco Tourism
- Nature Study
- Astronomy - esp Aurora Australis observation
Dispute
Currently the area is undergoing a second resource consent application for change of use, following the failure of a previous application. The debate is an especially passionate one, with large sums of money involved, and highly motivated public protesting at any departure from the current plan for the area.
Environment
The point is relatively new, created during the 1855 earthquake that uplifted land 2~3 Metres. The point is relatively dark, with little nearby population and minimal if any street lighting. The point is one of the few wild coastal places left with easy access from Wellington City. Continued dark sky is necessary for astronomy and nocturnal nature study, and eco-tourism. The Kaitiaki principle applies. "Kaitiaki is a Maori word meaning guardian and protector. Kaitiaki are powerful guardian spirits from the sky, the land, and the sea." [1]
Directions
The point can be reached through Island Bay (turn East at south coast road), Houghton Bay via Melrose (turn East at south coast road), or Lyall Bay, proceed South-West.
Save The Point
A group exists to protect the point from development. It is called Save the Point Incorporated.
