Mount Damper Falls facts for kids
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Mount Damper Falls is an amazing waterfall located on the North Island of New Zealand. It's fed by a small stream called Mount Damper Stream, which then flows into the larger Tongapōrutu River. This beautiful spot is a popular place for visitors to explore.
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Where to Find Mount Damper Falls
You can find Mount Damper Falls on a walking track in the Stratford District, which is part of the Taranaki area. The track is about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from where Okau and Mangapapa Roads meet, right off State Highway 43. This highway is also known for its special "heritage trails."
How Tall Are the Falls?
Mount Damper Falls is quite tall, dropping about 74 meters (243 feet)! This makes it one of the highest waterfalls on the North Island. While it's very impressive, a few other waterfalls like Wairere, Ananui, and Waitakere Falls are even taller.
Accessing the Walking Track
The path to the falls goes through private land, but it's looked after by the Department of Conservation. This means it's safe and ready for visitors! However, please note that the track is closed to hunters every year from August 1st to October 31st. This is because it's lambing season, and the land needs to be peaceful for the new lambs.
The Story of Mount Damper Falls
The area around Mount Damper Falls has a rich history. Long ago, local Māori people used a nearby path called the Tihi-Manuka trail. This was an important route connecting the Taumaranui area to the northern Taranaki coast.
Who Discovered the Falls?
The first European to officially record seeing the falls was a government surveyor named L. C. Sladden. He found them in 1900 while he was mapping out the Waro Survey District.
The falls were "rediscovered" a few years later, around 1909, in a sad but memorable way. An early settler named H. W. Wilkinson had a very special sheepdog named Lassie. Tragically, Lassie was pulled over the falls by a wild boar and died. This event helped bring attention back to the beautiful Mount Damper Falls.
