title: Piriaka
text: # Piriaka
  
  Piriaka is a small rural settlement beside the Whanganui River, about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) southeast of Taumarunui on State Highway 4 (SH4), in New Zealand's King Country. Its name is Māori, from piri (to cling close) and aka (bush climbers of various kinds, such as rata).
  
  The Piriaka Power Station is about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) north of the settlement.
  
  The Piriaka springs can be found just to the south of Piriaka (beside SH4 just at it starts to climb up to a higher altitude) at 38°55′33″S 175°20′27″E﻿ / ﻿38.92583°S 175.34083°E﻿ / -38.92583; 175.34083﻿ (Piriaka Springs). These springs are well known in the local area, and also provide the main water supply for the settlement.
  
  About 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) further south along SH4, at 38°55′56″S 175°20′37″E﻿ / ﻿38.93222°S 175.34361°E﻿ / -38.93222; 175.34361﻿ (Piriaka lookout), there is a lookout providing an excellent view of the Whanganui River. This spot is known as the Piriaka lookout.
  
  