OK, so by now you’ve seen a bungy jump and some other sites around Auckland. And if you haven’t yet, click on those links! But for now, I am going to take you further south.
Today, will I tell you about me actually falling? No. Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble. It’s a play on words. I am writing today about Huka Falls.
It’s kinda, sorta, maybe in the middle of the North Island. It’s in the Lake Taupo area (ahem, the bungy. Remember that?) and it’s a popular spot. You’ll see soon once you scroll down AFTER! after reading my words here. Don’t just scroll past my words that I put time into reading! Please & thank you.
If you are driving there from the North, you’re most likely going to be heading down State Highway 1. After a few hours you’ll see the signage for Huka Falls and the Lookout spot. Believe me when I tell you that you will want to park at the Lookout. The parking lot closest to the falls is not that big and will most likely be full. Parking at the Lookout will, hopefully, save you that hassle. It will also afford you the opportunity to stretch your legs after a long drive as you make your way down to the water.
It’s a fairly easy walk down. Little ones should be ok doing the trek but be mindful as it’s still a trail. Once you’ve made it a little bit down the trail, the noise of the passing cars from the road will fade away and a new one will fill your ears. A steady hum and rustle of gallons upon gallons of water crashing onto rocks will alert your ears that nature is nearby.
Quite the sight, no? We must have stood there for a few minutes taking it all in. We even saw a jetboat race up the river and zoom around the base of the falls, getting the occupants a little wet. We both valued our dryness so we abstained from the jetboat.
Quick side note: There are some trails that branch off from the falls area that we did not have the time to walk, but you might!
Closer to the parking lot is a bridge that traverses the Waikoto River as it turns into . . . the falls? Yes? That’s right? I think. I don’t know. I don’t know much about rivers and such. I have the oceanography merit badge. This, this ain’t the ocean. Either way you slice it, the bridge is a great viewpoint to get on top of the water and see where it came from (photo below) and where it’s going (photo above).
I’ll tell you what, the sound of the water pounding against the rocks really makes you appreciate the power of water. What can start out as a trickle of a stream can turn into a roaring torrent and consume all around it.
It’s a serene spot where plenty of families and travelers alike will stop and admire nature. It’s important to admire and respect what the Earth has to offer us. This is the only planet we’ve got and you should get out and see as much of it as you can.
Thank you for visiting and I will see you later!
John Kidde Writes 