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Te Waihou Walkway and Spring
The picturesque and totally spring fed Te Waihou River is beautiful!
The crystal clear water flows through green pasture and surges through two sections of rugged gorge.
TE WAIHOU SPRINGS
Where does Te Waihou come from? Many springs feed the river with cold, clear water that has seeped down from the Mamaku Ranges through underground aquifers. Although this process can take up to 100 years, the water flows quickly once it reaches a spring. Water coming from the Blue Spring could fill a 6 lane (25 metre) swimming pool in just over 12 minutes! There are many springs located in the upper part of Te Waihou and you can see some of them at the Leslie Road end of the walkway.
THE TRACK
This major millennium project has seen the formation of an awesome walkway along the upper reaches of the Waihou River providing access to view the famous Blue Spring. The walkway was officially opened by the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Helen Clark in April 2000.
The walkway is 5.2km long and takes about 1½ hours one way or 3 hours for the return trip. It is open year-round and is generally easy walking although there are a couple of short steep sections and some stiles to cross.
A good option is to walk to the half waypoint, take the loop track then return the way you came. This is best done from the Leslie Road carpark, as it is the most scenic end of the walkway and has fewer stiles.
A COMMUNITY PROJECT
Caring for water quality and the environment is of great importance to the local community. In 1998 the wider community was instrumental in setting up a major restoration-based project based around Te Waihou. The first step was a feasibility study undertaken by Putaruru High School. Development snowballed from there and has included:
Extensive replanting programs, supported by local service clubs and schools, to protect and enhance water quality.
Walkway development allowing visitors to experience this unique treasure.
Fencing of fragile wetland areas.
On-going education projects, including an oral history project, planting guides and a number of feasibility studies.
HISTORY
The river was an important thoroughfare and provided food and flax for local people and visitors alike. Kind Te Wherowhero Tawhiao, the second Maori King, used the river on his travels. Another famous visitor was Kahupeka, a Tainui tupuna, who travelled extensively throughout the central North Island after her husband’s death. The upper Waihou River was one of the main rivers crossed during her travels through the Waikato.
In 1938 the Edmeades family settled and farmed the land alongside the Upper Waihou. They cleared much of the fern and manuka that previously clothed the riverbanks.
During WWII trenches were dug along the upper river due to fears of foreign invasion. They were never used and eventually were filled in.
LOCATION
Linking State Highways 1 and 5 in the South Waikato District is Whites Road. Te Waihou Walkway is situated off Whites Road with upstream access from Leslie Road, Putaruru.
The Clear Water from the Spring
Viewing the flowing river
Well formed walking track by the river
Rapids beside the Track
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