MEDIA RELEASE
22 November 2006

Step back in time at Karori Wildlife Sanctuary’s first ever Heritage Day

In a departure from its usual weekend events, Wellington’s award-winning Karori Wildlife Sanctuary will be holding its first ever Heritage Day event on Saturday 2 December.

The Sanctuary is internationally-renowned for its pioneering efforts to conserve New Zealand’s native wildlife, but few people realise it is also home to a large number of historical features, such as the iconic Victorian gothic Valve Tower, and the Morning Star Goldmine.

On Heritage Day, the public will be invited to explore some of the most significant historical features of the lower valley with the NZ Historic Places Trust, and take part in traditional games on the Heritage Lawn. There will also be demonstrations of gold-panning, and a chance to explore the old goldmine, as well as guided tours of the Discovery Area with members of the Combined Rotary Clubs of Wellington, who have worked hard to develop this exciting new attraction.

“The NZ Historic Places Trust is delighted to be involved in this inaugural Heritage Day event,“ says NZHPT general manager central region Ann Neill.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to share some of this amazing heritage with people and help bring alive some of the wonderful stories associated with this area.”

This day will also mark the opening of our new 10m-high Observation Tower – a replica of a structure used in the construction of the Upper Dam in the early 1900s. The tower, which is situated on the western escarpment, will give visitors a bird’s eye view of the valley.

Having worked up an appetite unearthing the past, visitors will be able to enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea by the lower lake, with homemade cakes and scones, old-fashioned lemonade and that Victorian staple – cucumber sandwiches!

Activities will begin at 11am. Period dress is optional!

ENDS

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