Tarawera Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tarawera Falls |
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Tarawera Falls at high flow
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| Location | Bay of Plenty, New Zealand |
| Type | Plunge |
| Total height | 65m |
| Watercourse | Tarawera River |
| Tarawera Falls | |
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Lower part of Tarawera Falls, water coming out of cracks in the cliff
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| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 35m |
| Watercourse | Tarawera River |
Tarawera Falls is a cool 65-meter-high waterfall in New Zealand. It's located on the Tarawera River in the Bay of Plenty region, on the North Island. This waterfall is special because of how the water flows.
The Tarawera River starts from Lake Tarawera. It then flows over a type of rock called a lava flow. This lava came from Mount Tarawera about 11,000 years ago. What makes the falls unique is that the river actually disappears! It goes into hidden caves about 30 meters before the cliff edge. Then, the water bursts out halfway down the cliff, creating a powerful gush.
When it rains a lot, even more water flows. Some of this extra water goes over the very top of the cliff. This creates another waterfall, also 65 meters tall, right next to the main one. It's like the falls have a companion!
If you want to visit, you can drive from the town of Kawerau. It's about a 45-minute drive on unsealed (gravel) roads. After that, you'll have a nice 20-minute walk to reach the falls. Remember, you need a special permit to enter the forestry area. You can get this permit from the Information Centre in Kawerau.
The History of Tarawera Falls
This amazing waterfall has a rich history with the Māori people. The Te Arawa and Ngāti Awa tribes have always had strong connections to this place. Today, the Ngāti Rangitihi tribe are the guardians of the area. They are one of the eight main groups of the Te Arawa tribe. They see the waterfall as a very sacred and special place.
Plants and Animals at the Falls
The plants around Tarawera Falls are quite unique. They have grown there since the big Tarawera eruption in 1886. You can find some unusual hybrid plants here. These are mixes of the pohutukawa and rata trees.
You might also spot some interesting animals. Migrating eels swim all the way up the river to the waterfall. Sometimes, you can see them on the western side of the falls. They are often looking for a way to swim even further upstream!
Images for kids
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Tarawera Falls at high flow
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Lower part of Tarawera Falls, gushing out of fissures in the cliff
