Historic sites around the Shortland Wharf area

In conjunction with the Echo Walks Festival.  Guide/narrator:  Dave Wilton (local archaeologist).

Start/finish point: Shortland wharf (southern end of Thames).  Easy walk of about one hour total, all on flat.

Cost: Donation

Route: The walk will commence at the historic Shortland wharf (in use continuously since 1867) and will include the wharf itself, and numerous historic sites in the vicinity, including first Methodist church service (1867), first European cemetery in Thames, early railway infrastructure (c. 1890s), Shortland Sawmilling Co mill and Stone’s Boatyard sites, Shortland Hotel etc.  We will then walk down to the Kauaeranga bridge and point out the original railway bridge, original road bridge (near the racecourse) and Parawai Mission Station.  Return to Shortland wharf and disperse.

Numbers:  no limit but social distancing will be required.