Opuiaki River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Opuiaki River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mamaku Plateau |
| River mouth | Wairoa River |
| Length | 24 km (15 mi) |
The Opuiaki River is a cool river found in the Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand. It's on the North Island. This river starts high up on the Mamaku Plateau. It then flows north into Lake McLaren. Finally, it joins the Wairoa River. This meeting point is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of Tauranga.
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Powering Homes with Water
The Opuiaki River helps create electricity for homes. It's part of the Kaimai hydro power scheme. This project was built in the 1980s.
How the Power Scheme Works
- A dam was built high up the river.
- From this dam, a long tunnel was dug.
- This tunnel sends water into the Ngatuhoa Stream.
- The water then enters another dam on that stream.
- Engineers made sure that some water always flows in both streams. This helps protect nature.
Building the Tunnel
Digging the tunnel was very hard work. The ground here was formed by ancient volcanoes. It has many layers of rock, clay, and other soil. Water also flows naturally between these rock layers. This water adds to the streams' flow.
Te Rere I Oturu Falls
One of the most exciting spots on the Opuiaki River is Te Rere I Oturu Falls. These are beautiful waterfalls.
The Legend of Oturu
The name of the falls comes from an old legend. It's about a person named Oturu from the Ngāti Ranginui tribe. He was being chased by others from his tribe. To escape, he bravely jumped from the top of the falls.
About the Falls
- The falls are about 25 meters (82 feet) wide.
- They drop about 40 meters (131 feet) high.
- The river gets most of its water from rain.
- This means the falls can change quickly. They get much bigger right after a heavy rain.
Visiting the Falls
You can reach the falls by hiking. There are tracks starting from the Ngatuhoa Lodge. A gravel road also runs nearby. From this road, another hiking path leads right to the falls.
Protecting Nature
The Opuiaki River flows through a special area. It's called the Opuiaki Ecological Area. This area was created to protect local plants and animals.
Helping Native Wildlife
The Department of Conservation (DOC) works here. They help keep the area safe for native species.
- They control pests that harm native plants and animals.
- They also run special programs to help endangered birds.
- One important bird they help is the kōkako. This native bird is very rare.
