Huka Falls is one of the most beautiful and most popular natural attractions in New Zealand. This country is famous for the beauty of its nature and is considered an inexhaustible source of green forests and sparkling rivers and lakes. The undisputed favorite among them are the waterfalls of Huka. In fact, this is a series of cascades on the Waikato River (Waikato), largest river New Zealand, which stems from crater lake Taupo, one of the world's largest reservoirs of fresh water. All waterfalls are within the Wairakei Tourist Park, which is located north of the city of Taupo.
For tourists and naturalists, firstly, it is easy to get to the Huka Falls, since the national highway passes nearby, and secondly, the Waikato River provides excellent opportunities for rafting on inflatable rubber boats. That's why in the Tourist Park all year round full of fans of extreme rafting.
A few hundred meters upstream, the Waikato River narrows sharply, turning from a calm river a hundred meters wide into a swift stream that rushes through a narrow gorge, barely reaching 15 meters wide. This canyon appeared about 26,500 years ago as a result of a major volcanic eruption, in the "" place of which Lake Taupo now flaunts. For the convenience of visitors, several observation platforms and small bridges crossing the picturesque river.
The waters of the river are crystal clear and incredibly beautiful. This feeling of absolute purity is created mainly due to the huge number of sparkling water bubbles that form due to the strong flow of the stream. The volume of water passing through the Huka Falls reaches 220,000 liters per second. At the top of the waterfalls there are many small cascades, from which water falls down from a height of 8 meters. The most impressive is the most large waterfall 11 meters high. The average annual water temperature is quite high, reaching 22 degrees in summer and 10 degrees in winter months. However, no matter how tempting the water temperature may seem, swimming along the Huka Falls is impossible even for experienced athletes, since the waters of the stream are too rough and dangerous.
New Zealand - fabulous beauty the country. If heaven existed on Earth, it would be located here, in an emerald wonder, lost in the middle of the turquoise waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Two major islands- North and South, and a whole scattering of small picturesque islands (more than seven hundred in number) not only cut off from the rest of the world, but also form a unique geographic region filled with unusual plants and animals.
Local waterfalls also bear little resemblance to their world counterparts. They are distinguished by special sophistication and grandeur, the brightness of fresh waters and the charm of soft overflows, the originality of the structure of cascades and the unusual location in the middle of pristine subtropical and evergreen nature. Many of them feed on the waters of local rivers and are located far from major cities. Most waterfalls are equipped with special viewing platforms, which are located at the foot or at the very top. Roads to the New Zealand water cascades are surrounded by picturesque views - mountains, plains, valleys, fjords and rivers.
New Zealand Waterfalls - PHOTO
1Mount Damper Falls
The seventy-four meter Demper waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in the world. north island. Situated away from major settlements, it allows you to admire its direct, vertical fall in a peaceful atmosphere of peace and quiet. Water pouring over the rocks creates bizarre visual effects - flowing silver, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow, a subtropical downpour.
2. Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)
Bridal Vale Falls is called the "Wedding Veil" for a reason. With the trajectory of the fall of water, it surprisingly resembles a light bridal veil. A staircase with three hundred steps leads to the foot of the waterfall. It is best to admire Bridal Vale from afar. Close up, especially from above, it seems quite tiny. Meanwhile, this is one of the most picturesque and majestic waterfalls in New Zealand, falling through a large amphitheater of rocks from a height of 55 meters.
3Wairere Falls
Wairere Falls is the highest waterfall on New Zealand's North Island. The water in it falls in two stages from a height of 153 meters. There is a comfortable walking trail to the waterfall, consisting of moss-covered stones and tree roots. Subsequently, it turns into a staircase, through which you can get to the top of the hill, from where a beautiful view of the local plains opens. In spring, Wairere falls against a backdrop of apricot blossoms surrounding the rocky bed of the falls.
4 Huka Falls
Located in the Wairakei Park, Huka Falls is formed by the rapid flow of the Waikato River, which narrows sharply from one hundred to fifteen meters. Every second, 220,000 liters of water passes through this area. The most beautiful section of the Huka waterfall is located on the last, eleven-meter step. The river waters here are whipped into snow-white, lush foam and iridescent sprays.
5. Marocopa Waterfall (Marocopa Waterfall)
One of the largest (widest) waterfalls in the North Island has a unique geographical location- it is located near the Waitomo cave system, which has no analogues anywhere in the world. The caves are over two million years old. One hundred and fifty rock formations are inhabited by crickets, illuminating the cave darkness with a magical, bluish-green light. You can admire Maracopa from viewing platforms arranged at the foot and next to the top of the waterfall.
6 Bowen Falls
Bowen Falls was named after Diamantina Bowen, the fifth wife of New Zealand Governor George Bowen. It is formed by the river of the same name, which flows through south island through the largest national park country - Fiordland. Bowen's waters cover a distance of 162 meters. The waterfall is located in the valley of one of the most beautiful formations in the country - the Milford Sound fjord. Bowen is most beautiful in spring - during the melting of glaciers.
7. Stirling Falls
One hundred and fifty-five meter Stirling Falls is located near Bowen Falls, in the bay of Milford Sound. A powerful stream of water falls vertically between two majestic mountains covered with lush green vegetation - Elephant and Lion. Most best view Sterling Falls opens from a cruise ship during the snowmelt period.
8 Humboldt Falls
The Humboldt Falls consists of three rapids, with a total length of 275 meters. The largest stream of water descends from a height of 134 meters. One of the highest waterfalls in New Zealand makes a deafening noise. You can get to it in a short time through the picturesque tropical forest. An overview of the waterfall is carried out from a specially equipped observation deck.
9. Devils Punchbowl Falls
The Devil's Punchbowl Falls is a unique system of two water streams that fall in a classic way at first, and then wind around the rocks in a ribbon. The height of the waterfall is 37 meters. Devil's Punchbowl often dries up, but during the period of snowmelt and rainfall, it is filled with full water and shines with all the colors of the rainbow.
Located on the Arthur River, in the southwestern part of the South Island, Sutherland Falls is the highest in Oceania. Its waters fall down from a height of 580 meters. The source of the waterfall is a majestic lake hidden in a mountain hollow. You can get to Sutherland by rented car or sightseeing bus. The best time to visit the waterfall - from December to February.
- Where to find: nature Park Wairakei, a few kilometers from Taupo, New Zealand;
- Entertainment: extreme, rafting, swimming to the foot of the waterfall;
- Price: boat ride to the foot of the waterfall - $90
Huka Falls - one of the most fascinating and most popular miraculous, which is a whole cascade of waterfalls on the Waikato River, the country's largest river, which originates in a crater. This lake is considered the largest pantry of fresh water on the planet.
The geographical location of the waterfalls
Huka Falls is one of the top 10 waterfalls. "Huka" in translation from the native language of the Maori peoples is translated as "foam". They are located on the territory of the Wairakei excursion park, a few kilometers north of the city of Taupo. The waterfalls are characterized by the rapid flow of the Waikato River, which narrows significantly a few hundred meters away, turning from a serene river 100 meters wide into a rapidly raging stream, barely reaching 15 meters wide. This canyon was formed several centuries ago as a result of a major volcanic eruption, which was replaced by Lake Taupo.
Natural features of the area
The waters here are crystal clear and incredibly beautiful. The feeling of perfect cleanliness and freshness appears due to the huge amount of sparkling water bubbles whipped into snow-white foam and iridescent sprays, the river flow. The volume of water falling from the Huka waterfalls reaches 220,000 liters per second.
On the upper border of the waterfalls there are many small cascades rushing down from 8 meters high. The most amazing segment is the fall of water at the final stage from a height of 11 meters. The average annual water temperature is quite high: in the winter months it reaches 10 degrees, and in summer the water warms up to 22 degrees. Despite such a tempting water temperature, swimming along the Huka Falls is dangerous even for athletes with excellent experience, because the water flows are too turbulent and unpredictable.
Information for tourists
All tourists and young naturalists can easily get to the Huka Falls on their own, as State Highway 1 passes nearby. For all lovers of extreme rafting, the Tourist Park provides an opportunity for rafting on inflatable rubber boats on the Waikato River all year round. For those who want to enjoy the turbulent streams of water, there is a place on the stretched over the waterfall footbridge. A stunning panorama for photographers and connoisseurs of water landscapes will open here.
A high-speed amphibious motorboat will take extreme sports enthusiasts right to a gap of several meters, where the waterfalls flow into the river. A ticket for such a boat tour can be purchased for about $90.
Not far from the center there is a resort complex with the same name Huka Falls Taupo, it is almost within walking distance - 3 minutes by car. Huka Falls can be reached in about 2 minutes by car.
New Zealand is a country of fabulous beauty. If heaven existed on Earth, it would be located here, in an emerald wonder, lost in the middle of the turquoise waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Two large islands - North and South, and a whole scattering of small picturesque islands (more than seven hundred) not only cut off from the rest of the world, but also form a unique geographical region filled with unusual plants and animals.
Local waterfalls also bear little resemblance to their world counterparts. They are distinguished by special sophistication and grandeur, the brightness of fresh waters and the charm of soft overflows, the originality of the structure of cascades and the unusual location in the middle of pristine subtropical and evergreen nature. Many of them feed on the waters of local rivers and are located far from large cities. Most waterfalls are equipped with special viewing platforms, which are located at the foot or at the very top. The roads to the New Zealand water cascades are surrounded by picturesque views - mountains, plains, valleys, fjords and rivers.
New Zealand Waterfalls - PHOTO
1Mount Damper Falls
At 74 meters high, Demper Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls on the North Island. Located far from large settlements, it allows you to admire its direct, steep fall in a peaceful atmosphere of peace and quiet. Water pouring over the rocks creates bizarre visual effects - flowing silver, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow, subtropical rain.
2. Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)
Bridal Vale Falls is called the "Wedding Veil" for a reason. With the trajectory of the fall of water, it surprisingly resembles a light bridal veil. A staircase with three hundred steps leads to the foot of the waterfall. It is best to admire Bridal Vale from afar. Close up, especially from above, it seems quite tiny. Meanwhile, this is one of the most picturesque and majestic waterfalls in New Zealand, falling through a large amphitheater of rocks from a height of 55 meters.
3Wairere Falls
Wyrere Falls is the highest in the North Island of New Zealand. The water in it falls in two stages from a height of 153 meters. There is a comfortable walking trail to the waterfall, consisting of moss-covered stones and tree roots. Subsequently, it turns into a staircase, through which you can get to the top of the hill, from where a beautiful view of the local plains opens. In spring, Wairere falls against a backdrop of apricot blossoms surrounding the rocky bed of the falls.
4 Huka Falls
Located in the Wairakei Park, Huka Falls is formed by the rapid flow of the Waikato River, which narrows sharply from one hundred to fifteen meters. Every second, 220,000 liters of water passes through this area. The most beautiful section of the Huka waterfall is located on the last, eleven-meter step. The river waters here are whipped into snow-white, lush foam and iridescent sprays.
5. Marocopa Waterfall (Marocopa Waterfall)
One of the largest (widest) waterfalls of the North Island has a unique geographical location - it is located near the Waitomo cave system, which has no analogues anywhere in the world. The caves are over two million years old. One hundred and fifty rock formations are inhabited by crickets, illuminating the cave darkness with a magical, bluish-green light. You can admire Maracopa from observation platforms arranged at the foot and near the top of the waterfall.
6 Bowen Falls
Bowen Falls was named after Diamantine Bowen, the fifth wife of New Zealand Governor George Bowen. It is formed by the river of the same name, which flows on the South Island through the country's largest National Park - Fiordland. Bowen's waters cover a distance of 162 meters. The waterfall is located in the valley of one of the most beautiful formations in the country - the Milford Sound fjord. Bowen is most beautiful in spring - during the melting of glaciers.
7. Stirling Falls
One hundred and fifty-five meter Stirling Falls is located near Bowen Falls, in the bay of Milford Sound. A powerful stream of water falls vertically between two majestic mountains covered with lush green vegetation - Elephant and Lion. The best view of Stirling Falls is from a cruise ship during the snowmelt period.
8 Humboldt Falls
The Humboldt Falls consists of three rapids, with a total length of 275 meters. The largest stream of water descends from a height of 134 meters. One of the highest waterfalls in New Zealand makes a deafening noise. You can get to it in a short time through the picturesque tropical forest. An overview of the waterfall is carried out from a specially equipped observation deck.
9. Devils Punchbowl Falls
The Devil's Punchbowl Falls is a unique system of two water streams that fall in a classic way at first, and then wind around the rocks in a ribbon. The height of the waterfall is 37 meters. Devil's Punchbowl often dries up, but during the period of snowmelt and rainfall, it is filled with full water and shines with all the colors of the rainbow.
Located on the Arthur River, in the southwestern part of the South Island, Sutherland Falls is the highest in Oceania. Its waters fall down from a height of 580 meters. The source of the waterfall is a majestic lake hidden in a mountain hollow. You can get to Sutherland by rented car or sightseeing bus. The best time to visit the waterfall is from December to February.
December 3rd, 2017 , 12:09 pm
Since we are still not allowed on Tongariro, we will go with you to explore the sights around Taupo. Moreover, not far from the city is, as it turned out, the most famous landmark of New Zealand.
Huka waterfalls are so semi-polar that a bus (!!) goes to them from the city of Taupo (attention!) True, he goes twice a day (9:15 and 13:45) and returns in half an hour (9:45 and 14:15)
So it's pretty stupid. If you go in the morning, you have two choices - either go around the waterfalls in 20 minutes (it’s about 8 kilometers from Taupo, that is, you arrive at 9:25, and you have 20 minutes before the return bus), or hang around there for four hours.
With all due respect to the waterfalls (and they are really awesome) - 4 hours is still a bit long, especially if you are limited by a tight time schedule)
It is impossible to combine it with another attraction - for example, the Lunar Craters are located nearby, but you already have to walk three kilometers there, plus an hour or two there, plus back - you won’t turn around in four hours.
So it's probably worth relaxing and getting used to the idea of walking. Moreover, the Huka Falls area is full of various walks.
You can walk to the Ariathia Dam (the most popular route), you can return to Taupo on foot. You can go to the already mentioned Lunar Craters, or you can, if you are a very good walker, go to the Wairakei terraces - or rather, to what is left of them.
Well, for now we will admire the waterfall itself
At first, the waterfall seemed too touristy to me - rumors that this is the most visited attraction of the country do not seem to be exaggerated.
And got my zen
I thought that after Iceland - - you won't surprise me with waterfalls. But I was wrong.
And besides, it is touristic - you don’t need to make a 10-kilometer track to it, you are brought by bus directly to a specially built bridge, from which you can view the waterfall from all sides you want
But nevertheless, he is beautiful. And quite special. They don't even exist in Iceland.
Waterfall deservedly entered the list of my favorite moments in New Zealand at an honorable tenth place -.
This was my second waterfall in New Zealand after Kakahi in Hell's Gate Park -
I stood for a long time and enjoyed the sound of rushing water (220 thousand liters per second)
Moreover, the desired attraction was visible directly from the waterfalls (the erupting clouds of steam in the distance are the Lunar Craters)
And the park around just so invited to take a walk
And I hit the road to Craters of the Moon geothermal park
But about the park itself - next time
