Route 52: A Big Lump Of Country Unknown

Description

On the surface, Pōrangahau is a classic Aotearoa coastal village. Across the river bridge, a turn-of-the-century timber hotel stands prominent. Opposite, a blindingly blue Tip Top dairy serves ice cream, fish’n’chips, and mail. The corner garage has a car on one hoist, a tractor on the other, and a quad bike waiting its turn.
Past the fire station the wharenui-like war memorial hall lies waiting, too, for the next community fundraiser or ANZAC service. ..a classic colonial church sits behind a white picket fence. There’s salt in the air and tūī in the trees.

This is about as Kiwi as it gets.

This book tells their stories of isolation, joy, architecture, and humour.

Promotion info

Wairarapa writer Simon Burt, prompted by curiosity, hooked up his caravan, chucked Meg the foxie in the back seat, and set off to find what makes Route 52, the touring back road between Masterton and Waipukurau tick. The hula parties in ‘Coconut Grove’, Akitio, where James K. Baxter wrote a cautionary poem, George Wilder’s hideout in Herbertville. He shared beers, cuppas and scones, and tales of trouble and joy with the people.