EV chargers at ‘visitor gateway’

24 May 2024

Now there’s another reason to stop at one of Waitomo’s iconic photo stops.

A bank of electrical vehicle (EV) chargers are now live at the Waitomo Homestead, next to the well-known Big Apple on State Highway 3. The chargers went live after The Lines Company (TLC) provided a new pole and transformer, adding to the 48 EV charging units already operating across the TLC network.

Discover Waitomo general manager Dan Thorne said the chargers form a “super-hub” and were built in exactly the right place for domestic and international manuhiri (guests) visiting the region. They’re a welcome addition to the two chargers previously on site.

“NZTA advise around 8,000 vehicles use this section of SH3 every day. Plenty of people already stop at the Homestead to take a photo of the big apple, grab something to eat, or stay the night. It’s great to know we now have more options for those wanting to charge their vehicles,” he said.

“This is the gateway to Waitomo and the greater King County so is a really important location for regional tourism. The fact EV drivers can now arrive and fully charge is fantastic.”