Windy Canyon facts for kids
Windy Canyon is a special place on Great Barrier Island in New Zealand. It's like a big, narrow valley, and it has a cool walking track that goes right through it. Imagine a giant natural slide for the wind – that's Windy Canyon!
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What is Windy Canyon?
Windy Canyon is a unique canyon formed from a type of rock called andesite. Think of it as a natural funnel that guides the wind. This makes it a very breezy spot, which is how it got its name!
Where is it Located?
You can find Windy Canyon in the middle-east part of Great Barrier Island. It's quite high up, almost at the top of the island's tallest mountain, Mount Hobson. Mount Hobson is 621 meters tall, and the canyon is less than 200 meters below its peak.
Why is it Called "Windy"?
The canyon's shape acts like a natural wind tunnel. The wind gets squeezed as it passes through the narrow canyon, making it feel extra windy! The rocks that make up the canyon are called andesite. This is a strong volcanic rock, which means it was formed from ancient lava flows. Over a very long time, wind and water carved this rock into the canyon you see today.
Exploring Palmers Track
A popular path called Palmers Track goes right through Windy Canyon. It's a great way to explore this amazing area and see some fantastic views.
The Easy Start: To the Ridge
The first part of Palmers Track is quite easy and fun. It starts from the Okiwi-Claris road. You'll walk on a special wooden path called a boardwalk and climb some wooden stairs. This part takes about 15 minutes to walk. It leads you up to a ridge, which is like a high edge where you can see far away.
The Longer Hike: To Mount Hobson
From the ridge, Palmers Track continues further west towards Mount Hobson. This part of the track is a bit more challenging, so it's considered a medium-difficulty walk. If you decide to go all the way to Mount Hobson and back, it will take about 3 to 4 hours. Mount Hobson is also known by its Māori name, Hirakimatā. The views from the top are incredible!
Amazing Views
From Windy Canyon, you can see some beautiful parts of Great Barrier Island. You can look out over the Okiwi lowlands to the north and the Awana lowlands to the south. It's a perfect spot to take photos and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
