Piriaka
Piriaka | |
|---|---|
Rural settlement | |
Interactive map of Piriaka | |
| Coordinates: Topo Map 38°55′19″S 175°20′20″E / 38.922°S 175.339°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| District | Ruapehu District |
| Ward |
|
| Community | Taumarunui-Ōhura Community |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Ruapehu District Council |
| • Regional council | Horizons Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Ruapehu | Weston Kirton |
| • Rangitīkei MP | Suze Redmayne |
| • Te Tai Hauāuru MP | Debbie Ngarewa-Packer |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.75 km2 (0.29 sq mi) |
| Population (2023 Census) | |
• Total | 138 |
| • Density | 180/km2 (480/sq mi) |
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).
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. These springs are well known in the local area, and also provide the main water supply for the settlement.
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, there is a lookout providing an excellent view of the Whanganui River. This spot is known as the Piriaka lookout.