Piriaka is a small rural settlement beside the Whanganui River, about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) southeast of Taumarunui on State Highway 4 (SH4), in New Zealand's King Country. Its name is Māori, from piri (to cling close) and aka (bush climbers of various kinds, such as rata).[1]

Piriaka in 1949

The Piriaka Power Station is about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) north of the settlement.

The Piriaka springs can be found just to the south of Piriaka (beside SH4 just at it starts to climb up to a higher altitude) at 38°55′33″S 175°20′27″E / 38.92583°S 175.34083°E / -38.92583; 175.34083 (Piriaka Springs). These springs are well known in the local area, and also provide the main water supply for the settlement.[2][3]

About 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) further south along SH4, at 38°55′56″S 175°20′37″E / 38.93222°S 175.34361°E / -38.93222; 175.34361 (Piriaka lookout), there is a lookout providing an excellent view of the Whanganui River. This spot is known as the Piriaka lookout.

References

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  1. ^ "The wisdom of the Maori – Railway station Maori names along the Main Trunk Line".
  2. ^ "Register of Drinking Water Suppliers for New Zealand (2018)" (PDF).
  3. ^ "Stuff article: Water collectors protected from rock fall".
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See also

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38°55′17″S 175°20′10″E / 38.92139°S 175.33611°E / -38.92139; 175.33611