Wellsford

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Wellsford is a town in the northern North Island of New Zealand. The town is the northernmost major settlement in the Auckland Region, and is 114 kilometres northwest of Auckland City.[1].

Wellsford is located close to a narrowing of the North Auckland Peninsula caused by an arm of the Kaipara Harbour on the west coast extending inland for 20 kilometres from the body of the harbour, stretching to within 15 kilometres of the east (Pacific Ocean) coast.

Although the town's population is only 1671 [2] it is a major regional centre, being located at the junction of State Highways 1 and 16. Its location almost exactly halfway between Auckland and the northern city of Whangarei also makes it a more notable regional centre.

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[edit] A Brief History

In the early 1860's, English settlers arrived, establishing themselves at Port Albert, which is on the Kaipara Coast, about 10 kilometres west of Wellsford. These settlers called themselves the Albertlanders, after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort. They were a "breakaway group from the Anglican Church looking for a new world" (New Zealand Herald, 2006, para 5[3] However, not many of the settlers arrived at Port Albert and the ones who did found it difficult to make a living. The majority of the Albertlanders moved inland, to more fertile areas in the region. As a result, Wellsford was founded. [4]

[edit] The Name Wellsford

According to local tradition, the origin of the name Wellsford is believed to be an acronym based on the surnames of the first families who settled in the region. These names were as follows: Watson, Edger, Lester, Levet, Simpson, Foster, Oldfield, Ramsbottom and Dibble. [5]

[edit] Schools

Wellsford has two schools in its area, Wellsford Primary School and Rodney College. Wellsford Primary School has a role of 381 students from year 1-8 and is a decile 4 school. [6] Rodney College has a role of 350 pupils from years 9-13 and is a decile 5 school. [7]

[edit] Sport

Being a rural town, sport plays a big part in Wellsford's day to day life with rugby, netball, cricket, tennis and athletics being amongst the more popular sports played. If looking for a more low key game, the Wellsford Golf Club is popular among the locals and also houses squash courts. Rollerskating, Archery and bowling, (indoors and outdoors) are also available. Equestrian is also popular in the area. [8]

[edit] Things To Do

Whilst there are not an abundance of activities to do apart from sport in Wellsford, there are several places within a 45 minute driving radius that offer people the opportunity enjoy a more leisurely visit.

Mangawhai is 27 kilometres from Wellsford [9] boasting five beaches within 15 minutes of each other and plenty of local shops teeming with local merchandise. [10]

Lake Tomarata and Lake Spectacle are found 20 kilometres northeast of Wellsford. Because of Lake Tomarata have the best vehicle access of the two lakes, it is generally the more popular of the two, although both are extremely popular with water skiers. Also, Lake Tomarata has a safe, fenced of section near the lake shore for young children to swim in. "It also offers a boat ramp, changing shed, toilet, barbecue and picnic tables." (Rodney District, 2008, para 5) [11]

Warkworth is around 20 kilometres south of Wellsford. [12]. Some of the main attractions that branch from Warkworth are Goat Island Marine Reserve, Mahurangi Regional Park, horse riding and of course Kawau Island. Also beaches at Leigh, Sandspit and Omaha are just outside the Warkworth area. [13] Coordinates: 36°17′S, 174°31′E

Parakai Pools are located in Helensville about 58 kilometres from Wellsford itself. [14]. The pools has "two huge pools filled with natural hot thermal spring water combined with two exciting hydroslides." (Aquatic Park, 2008, para 1)[15]. There are also private spas and one of the pools has a shallow area for children to play safely in.

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[edit] References

  1. ^ McClure, M. (2007). Auckland places. Te Ara-the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved March 20, 2008 from[1]
  2. ^ Statistics New Zealand. (2007). Auckland Region. Retrieved March 20, 2008 from[2]
  3. ^ New Zealand Herald. (2006). How not to rob a bank. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from [3]
  4. ^ McClure, M. (2007). Auckland Places. Te Ara-the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved March 20, 2008 from[4]
  5. ^ McClure, M. (2007). Auckland Places. Te Ara-the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved March 20, 2008 from [5]
  6. ^ Retrieved March 20, 2008 from [6]
  7. ^ Retrieved March 20, 2008 from [7]
  8. ^ Sports Groups and Clubs. (2008). Retrieved March 20, 2008 from[8]
  9. ^ Retrieved March 20 from [9]
  10. ^ Focus Mangawhai. (2008). Magical Mangawhai. Retrieved March 20, 2008 from [10]
  11. ^ Retrieved March 20, 2008 from[11]
  12. ^ Retrieved March 20, 2008 from [12]]
  13. ^ Retrieved March 20, 2008 from [13]
  14. ^ Retrieved March 20, 2008 from [14]
  15. ^ Retrieved March 20, 2008 from [15]