Observation Point

Observation Point, also known as Flagstaff Lookout or Flagstaff Hill, and formerly as Flagstaff Point is a large bluff in central Port Chalmers, in New Zealand's South Island. The point, as its name suggests, offers panoramic views covering the town, its deep-water port, and across the Otago Harbour. A road, Aurora Terrace, ascends to near the top of the point, allowing for easy public access.

This article is about the large bluff. For the scenery view, see Scenic viewpoint.

View across Port Chalmers from Observation Point
The Observation Point flagstaff

The point is the site of a large historic flagstaff and of the Hotere Sculpture Garden Oputae; the artist's studio was located close to the point until 1993,[1] when part of the point was excavated to allow for expansion to the town's port facilities amid public protest. Artist Russell Moses used clay from the site to create large rosaries and paintings.[2] The flagstaff, recommissioned in 1971, is on the site of the original mast from which the arrival of ships at the harbour mouth was signalled. At one time a black timeball station was also located here.

Observation Point is the location from which the crew of HMS Acheron made the first detailed cartographical study of Otago Harbour in 1860. A plaque to this effect stands near the flagstaff.[3]

References
  1. "Port Chalmers and Surrounding Bays", dunedindetours.com. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  2. http://www.fhegalleries.com/artists/showArticle.php?file=russellmoses.xml
  3. "Observation Point plaque", Hocken Collections, University of Otago. Retrieved 15 April 2015.


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