Makara and beyond

The West Wind Recreation Area is sited within the wind farm. The turn-off to the Area is about 1 km back towards Karori and up Opau Road. West Wind is managed by Meridian Energy, which has granted the public access for activities such as walking and mountain biking. Entry to the recreation area is free of charge. West Wind adjoins and shares one trail – the trail that goes down the road to Opau Bay – with the Makara Walkway, which is managed by the Department of Conservation and which you can follow from West Wind all the way to Makara Beach. West Wind Recreation Area has opening and closing hours and is completely closed during lambing season (September and October). Note that access to the site is managed by an electronic gate, so you cannot get in whenever you want.