This Free bus tour starts at Teichelmann’s B&B and concludes at the Hokitika Cemetery, this multi-site heritage tour is really a once in a lifetime opportunity. The tour will be escorted by Richard Waugh and Bishop Steve Lowe, with local aviation identities Glenn Johnson and Drew Howat.

Itinerary

1.30pm: Start at 20 Hamilton Street

Brief history of the house and Dr Teichelmann’s key involvement in early Westland aviation.

2pm: Visit Aviation Memorial plaques at Southside (just across the bridge on State Highway 6. Take care turning in - and driving out.

See the first Hokitika Airfield (from 1932) and where Captain Bert Mercer and his pilots/engineers had their base and operated their pioneering flights to South Westland and as far north as Nelson.

2.30pm: Visit Hokitika Airport to view historic 1930s hangars (Airport Drive, 7810)

Gather outside of the terminal to view the former Air Travel (NZ) Ltd, NAC and West Coast Airways hangars which were used for the de Havilland biplanes from the late 1930s to the late 1960s

2.45pm: Visit the Hokitika Industrial Heritage Park (9 Brian Waugh Lane, off Airport Drive)

See the replica of de Havilland DH83 Fox Moth ZK-ADI which commenced New Zealand’s first licensed scheduled air service on 18 February 1934. And with associated display material.

3.30pm: Visit the Hokitika Cemetery (Seaview Hill Road)

With respect we will view the graves/headstones of various key people associated with pioneering Hokitika/Westland aviation – Jack Renton, Jimmy Lynch, Captain Bert Mercer, Maurice Dawe, Tom Harris, Geoff Houston, Frank Molloy, Des Wright. Bishop Steve Lowe will offer a prayer of remembrance.

Hokitika Aviation Heritage Trail concludes at 4pm.

Hosts: Richard Waugh, Bishop Steve Lowe, Glenn Johnson and Drew Howat.

Location: This Free bus tour starts at Teichelmann’s B&B and concludes at the Hokitika Cemetery, this multi-site heritage tour is really a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Cost: Free