Onekaka

Onekaka is a small coastal community in Golden Bay, at the northwestern tip of the South Island, New Zealand with a population of around 250. The name Onekaka is Māori and translated as 'burning sands'. It is the former site of a large ironworks that operated from 1920 to the early 1930s, pipes and pig iron were produced until the operation became uneconomical. Dairy farming is a significant activity occupying a large proportion of the land area. An old dam associated with iron works has recently been converted to a small scale hydroelectric scheme. In the last thirty years a significant number of artists and craftspeople have settled in the Onekaka area giving the community a colourful feel.

Attractions

A popular place for visitors and locals alike, is the Mussel Inn where there is various entertainment ranging from live music to quiz nights and poetry nights. Visitors from all around the world come and see the Mussel Inn as it is a unique, alternative place that brews its own beer. Conservation of the surrounding native forest is supported through rewarding those that bring in the tails of possums with one of the Inn's beers. Possums are very destructive to New Zealand's wildlife, targeting the indigenous bird population.

External links

• Mussel Inn

Coordinates: 40°45′S 172°42′E / 40.75°S 172.7°E / -40.75; 172.7