Achilles Point upgrade
Achilles Point design
Auckland City Council will be undertaking construction work to upgrade
Achilles Point from the beginning of October to early December 2009.
The project will make improvements to the reserve at Achilles Point, and
include a new viewing platform, large deck area and new planting. A naval mast
and Maori artwork will also be erected to represent the diverse history of the
site.
Originally, named Te Pane o Horoiwi (the head of Horoiwi) due to the Maori
history of the site, Achilles Point was renamed in 1940 by the Auckland Council
in honour of the New Zealand crewed ship HMS Achilles. The HMS Achilles defeated
the German cruiser Graf Spee in the 1939 Battle of the River Plate. It was the
first major navel battle of World War II, and the first time the New Zealand
National anthem was played in battle.
The upgrade follows on from stabilisation and strengthening work undertaken
in the Cliff Road area, which saw the existing Achilles Point viewing platform
closed to the public and removed due to concerns over safety. The Achilles Point
area will remain closed during the upgrade construction works.
Key features include:
- construction of large timber decking area
- construction of a new lookout structure
- installation of a new naval mast
- new planting and lighting
- a Maori artwork
- handrail upgrade
- streetscape upgrade.
The upgrade will create a more user friendly space for people to enjoy and
improve accessibility and safety in the area.
The upgrade of Achilles Point will be finished by 13 December, in time for
Naval celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the
River Plate.
Published October 2009
