Ngongotahā


Ngongotahā is a town on the western shores of Lake Rotorua in New Zealand's North Island. It is 10 kilometers northwest of Rotorua city, and is often regarded as an outer suburb of the larger centre. Its population was 4,107 in the 2013 census.
Its name is derived from a legend of Ihenga, the famous Māori explorer. It is said Ihenga met the Patu-paiarehe on Mount Ngongotahā and was offered a drink from a calabash. Ngongo means "to drink", and tahā means "calabash". Ngongotahā is often referred to by locals as the "Sunny side of the Mountain".

History and culture

Ngongotahā has six marae:
Mount Ngongotahā is high. It towers above the city; and hosts a Gondola to the top where there is a viewing platform, luge and restaurant.

Sports

The village has strong football, rugby league, rugby union, netball and touch teams.

Economy and transportation

The main road through the village, known as SH 36, runs via Kaharoa and Pyes Pa to Tauranga.
The Rotorua Branch railway runs through Ngongotahā, although this has been unused since the turn of the century. A Railway Park, run by enthusiasts, provides train rides on a scale model steam train and a mini diesel-locomotive on the Western side of Ngongotahā near the former line.
The Ngongotahā Stream, which flows through the village centre and onward into Lake Rotorua is one of the most heavily fished areas in New Zealand. Specimen rainbow trout and brown trout are regularly taken by fly fishermen. Other nearby streams also offer good fishing.

Education

Ngongotaha School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 6 students, with a roll of as of.

Notable people

Despite its small size, Ngongotahā has produced a number of famous New Zealanders, including: