Mangapiko Stream facts for kids

The Mangapiko Stream is a special waterway in the Waikato region of New Zealand. It's mostly a low-lying stream that flows through the middle of the Waipa area. This stream starts high up on Mt Maungatautari. From there, it winds its way west through flat farmland where dairy cows graze. Eventually, it joins the Waipa River near Pirongia, becoming one of its smaller branches, called a tributary.

The name Mangapiko means "winding stream" in Māori. This name was given by the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and it perfectly describes how the stream twists and turns.

As the Mangapiko Stream flows, it passes through the town of Te Awamutu. The name Te Awamutu means "the river's end" in Māori. In this area, the Mangapiko meets another stream called Mangaohoe, which is its main tributary. The Mangaohoe Stream also begins near the top of Mt Maungatautari.

Did you know there are two other streams in the Waikato region with the same name? One flows from the Kaimai mountains and joins the Waihou near Matamata. The other passes under Highway 22 and eventually reaches Lake Whangape through the Awaroa Stream.

Plants Along the Mangapiko Stream

The Mangapiko Stream begins its journey in the wild, native bush on Mt Maungatautari. As it flows, it also goes near and through large groups of native trees that grow in low-lying areas.

These trees are mostly tall tōtara and kahikatea trees. You can also spot some other native trees with broad leaves mixed in. The biggest group of trees the stream flows through can be seen when you cross the Cambridge Road Bridge.

Animals in the Mangapiko Stream

If you go kayaking or just watch the Mangapiko Stream carefully, you might see some interesting animals. You can often spot large Koi carp swimming along the edges or hiding in the small drains on the sides.

The stream is also home to New Zealand longfin eels, which are a type of native eel. You'll also see many ducks and pūkeko, which are colourful swamp hens, enjoying the water and banks.

Caring for the Mangapiko Stream

The health of the Mangapiko Stream is very important. Environment Waikato, a local group that looks after the environment, has tested the water quality of the stream at Bowman Road. Unfortunately, the results showed that the Mangapiko Stream had one of the lowest scores among all the streams tested in its area. This means the water quality needs improvement.

Good news! Local volunteer groups are working hard to help the stream. They are planting native bushes and trees along the stream banks. This helps to make the banks stronger and stops them from falling into the water. Farmers in the area have also joined in, replanting trees along their parts of the stream. You can see all this great restoration work if you go kayaking down the stream.

Fun Activities on the Mangapiko Stream

The Mangapiko Stream is a great place for kayaking! For most of the year, the water level is high enough for a fun paddle. However, in summer, it can sometimes get a bit too low.

When the water levels are just right, you can kayak from the Rotoorangi Road Bridge all the way to the Te Rahu Road Bridge. There are two good spots to stop and rest along the way: at Cambridge Road and Woodstock Road.

As you paddle, you'll pass by scattered native trees and even go through some areas of thick native bush where the sunlight can't quite reach. There's only one tricky spot to watch out for: a small rapid that could tip over a kayaker. This rapid is just about 10 seconds after you pass the Woodstock Bridge.

Because the stream is low-lying, the water flows very slowly, which makes for a relaxing paddle. In many parts of the stream, you might find willow trees blocking the way. But don't worry, they are usually easy enough to push out of the way. However, when you get closer to the Te Awamutu area, the willow trees become very dense, and it's impossible to kayak past them.