Huka Prawn Park facts for kids
The Huka Prawn Park is a super cool place near Taupo, New Zealand. It's a special farm where they raise prawns! It's also a fun tourist spot where you can visit and learn. This park started way back in 1987. It's the only prawn farm in all of New Zealand. Imagine, they can grow over 30,000 kilograms of prawns every single year!
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How Prawns Are Grown
At Huka Prawn Park, they raise giant Malaysian river prawns. These aren't your average prawns; they can get quite big! The park uses a clever trick to keep the water warm for the prawns. They use hot water that comes from the Wairakei geothermal power station. This power station uses heat from deep inside the Earth.
Warm Water for Growing Prawns
The park takes this hot water, which is over 90 degrees Celsius, and uses it to warm up fresh water from the Waikato River. They use special equipment called heat exchangers to do this. This way, the prawns always have a cozy, warm home to grow in, no matter the season! This smart system helps the prawns grow big and strong.
Fun Activities at the Park
Huka Prawn Park isn't just a farm; it's also a fantastic place for a day out! There are lots of exciting things to do for visitors of all ages.
Fishing for Prawns
One of the most popular activities is prawn fishing! You can try to catch your own prawns right there at the park. It's a unique experience that many people enjoy.
Exploring the Park
You can also go on guided tours to learn all about how the prawns are raised. These tours are a great way to understand the farm's special methods. The park also has an "activity loop" with many interactive water features. It's perfect for splashing around and having fun!
Water Fun and More
Visitors can also try out stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats. You can even ride an aqua trike over a pond filled with prawns! It's a fun way to see these amazing creatures up close.
Shawn the Prawn
Huka Prawn Park is a big hit with tourists visiting the Taupo area. More than 75,000 people visit every year! Many international visitors, especially from China, love coming here. The park even has its own friendly mascot, Shawn the Prawn! Shawn helps promote the park and often visits guests during school and public holidays. He's a fun character that kids love to meet!
