Whangārei Falls facts for kids
Whangārei Falls is a super cool waterfall located just outside the city of Whangārei, in a suburb called Tikipunga. It's a really popular place for both local people and visitors to explore! You can go for awesome walks along the Hātea River, have a picnic on the grassy areas, or just relax at the top of the falls near the car park. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy nature and spend time with friends or family.
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Discovering Whangārei Falls
The Whangārei Falls are part of the Hātea River, which tumbles down an impressive twenty-six metres! That's about the height of an eight-story building! The water flows over ancient rock that was formed from lava long, long ago. It’s a stunning sight, especially after it has rained, when the water really rushes down.
Exploring the Area
Around the falls, you'll find lots of walking paths made of gravel and dirt. These paths wind through beautiful native bush, giving you a chance to see local plants and maybe even some birds. You can walk right around the falls to see them from different angles, or follow the river. There's a longer walking track that goes all the way to A.H. Reed Memorial Park and then loops back to the falls. This whole loop takes about one hour to complete, making it a great adventure for a sunny day!
The History of Whangārei Falls
Did you know that Whangārei Falls has a long and interesting history? Its original Māori name is Otuihau. People have been coming here for picnics and enjoying the scenery for a very long time, at least since the 1890s! Imagine people from over a hundred years ago enjoying the same beautiful spot you can visit today.
How the Falls Became a Public Park
In the 1920s, a kind man named Archibald Clapham bought the land around the falls. He was a big collector of clocks and later donated about four hundred of them to a museum called Clapham's Clocks! Mr. Clapham bought the land because he wanted to protect the falls and stop anyone from trying to use them for business or commercial purposes. He wanted everyone to be able to enjoy their natural beauty.
Later, in 1946, a group called the Whangārei Businessmen's Association worked hard to raise money. They bought the land from Mr. Clapham's estate on behalf of all the people of Whangārei. Thanks to their efforts, Whangārei Falls officially became a public park, meaning it's a place for everyone to visit and enjoy for free. It’s a wonderful example of how people can work together to protect special natural places for future generations.
