Whangerei Falls (Part 3 of the Holiday series.)

We had been on the road long enough that by this time a stretching of the legs would be very welcome. This is Whangerei Falls, a curtain-type waterfall on the Hatea River. It's right in the middle of the town of Whangerei. Very convenient. It has a large park surrounding it, very nice toilets, although not famous ones, and even 'Ambassadors' at the entrance to the area. These ambassadors are retired folks in uniforms that advise about where to park in the car park and answer any questions. This is the first time I've seen ambassadors in NZ and it is a very nice touch. (Reminded me of the folks at First Roadside Park outside Iron River, Michigan.)

There is a trail that completely surrounds the falls area so we plan to walk all the way around it.  (well, I do anyway)

No, these kids are not risking their lives by jumping from the top. If you go back to the previous picture, you'll see there are ledges that we saw several kids climbing to. I think they're only risking their lives by climbing part way up. 

Don't get any ideas Amiri and Arram. 

From the main viewing platform. 

A long ways down. 

A little zoom brings in the scene and shows the bridge that we'll soon  be crossing from the left to the right. 

Here's the bridge over the river at the top of the falls that will take us to the other side of the park and down a trail to the bridge I just showed you.

Down river view from the midpoint on the walkway bridge. 

As you can see, on this side of the river, we're quite a bit above the falls. 

We've come down the zig-zag trail, crossed the footbridge and are now approaching the water. 

They're always so patient with me. They stand and humor old grandpa and his camera. 

Here is a short video:   https://youtu.be/6URC_ziEHZs

Isn't this gorgeous? So often, as I take pictures all over NZ, I step back for a moment in disbelief that I am seeing what I'm seeing. 

We are just about ready to leave. Jeanne and I are going to start up the steep and fairly challenging (for us) trail ahead of Allie and the boys. 

This is the trail we took back up to the top. Jeanne and I were about half-way up when Amiri came scooting up behind us and surged ahead and upwards. We waited at the top for us. Allie and Arram went back up the way they came down, so that they could cross the little arched bridge again. It was a wonderful break and we all got back into the car refreshed in spirit but hot!  Allie cranked the AC up and punched the fans to max.  Aahhhhhh.  

We waved at the ambassadors as we left.   -djf