Wairoa River (Bay of Plenty) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wairoa River |
|
|---|---|
Wairoa River at McLaren Falls power station, as seen from McLaren Falls Road bridge
|
|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Kaimai Ranges |
| River mouth | Tauranga Harbour 0 m (0 ft) |
The Wairoa River flows north into Tauranga Harbour. This harbour is located at the western end of the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand's North Island.
Generating Power from the Wairoa River
In the mid-1970s, a group called the Tauranga Joint Generation Committee wanted to build a power scheme on the Wairoa River. This plan aimed to use the river's water to create electricity.
However, a new group, the Kaimai Canoe Club, did not agree with this plan. They believed it would harm fishing, sports, and other fun activities on the river for people now and in the future.
After discussions, a compromise was reached. The river's water would be released for whitewater sports and recreation on 26 days each year. The last dam in the scheme sends water around the river bed to the Ruahihi Power Station.
Today, a company called TrustPower manages the power scheme on the Wairoa River.
Whitewater Fun on the Wairoa River
The Wairoa River is a popular spot for whitewater sports, especially kayaking. Every February, the upper part of the river hosts an exciting extreme whitewater race.
The first day of the race is a fast sprint down to the bottom of "The Waterfall." On the second day, racers go head-to-head down the challenging Grade V sections known as "The Waterfall" and "Rollercoaster."
River Rapids and Drops
The whitewater adventure starts near McLaren Falls, which is a seven-metre Grade VI waterfall. This waterfall is usually too difficult to paddle.
- Humpty Dumpty: This is a one-metre drop often used by paddlers to warm up.
- Mother's Nightmare: This is the first big rapid. It's a long Grade IV rapid that ends with a two-metre drop.
- Other Grade III Rapids: After Mother's Nightmare, you'll find a few Grade III rapids like "Helicopter," "Double Trouble," and "Devils Elbow" (also called "Washing Machine").
- Top Waterfall and Roller Coaster: These are two exciting Grade V sections. "Top Waterfall" involves a small drop into a hole, followed by a three-metre drop. "Roller Coaster" is another thrilling section.
- Bottom Waterfall: After these, there's a rocky section, a special gorge for whitewater slalom, and a few more Grade III rapids. The adventure finishes with the Grade III "Bottom Waterfall," which is another two-metre drop.
-
Mother's Nightmare entry
-
Mother's Nightmare
-
Mother's Nightmare (looking upstream)
-
Mother's nightmare drop
-
Top Waterfall
-
Rollercoaster Rapid
-
Roller Coaster, Wairoa River, Bay of Plenty
-
Bottom Waterfall
