Hātea River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hātea River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Whangarei District |
| River mouth | Whangarei Harbour |
The Hātea River is a beautiful river found in New Zealand. It starts in the north-east part of Whangarei and flows south. The river eventually empties into the northern end of the Whangarei Harbour. The lower part of the river forms the eastern edge of the city. Along its banks, you'll find lovely parks and bushland. There are also walking paths that are great for all kinds of weather.
Exploring the Hātea River
The Hātea River is an important natural feature for the city of Whangarei. It provides a green space for people to enjoy. The river's path through the city makes it easy for locals and visitors to explore.
Whangarei Falls: A Natural Wonder
One of the most exciting spots along the Hātea River is Whangarei Falls. These amazing waterfalls are located near a place called Tikipunga. Here, the Hātea River drops about 26 meters (that's like falling from an eight-story building!). The water tumbles over old basalt lava rocks.
The falls were originally known by the Māori name Otuihau. People have been coming to this spot for picnics and fun since at least the 1890s. It's still a very popular place to visit today.
The River's Name: Hātea
The spelling of the river's name was officially changed in 2007. Before that, it was spelled "Hatea" without the special mark over the 'a'. The New Zealand Geographic Board made this change. They added the macron (the line above the 'ā') to make sure the name is spelled correctly in Māori. This helps show the correct pronunciation of the name.
