26 of us drove to Beach Valley road to start out last walk of the term, a good turnout for our last walk of term 4. From here we walked up to Glenesk Rd to the start of the walk heading to the base of the falls, this newly opened track felt quite different to the previous times I had walked due to Kauri die back. A well-manicured track, but still good to be back in this beautiful area of bush. We stopped for morning tea at the base of the falls then continued on to the top of the falls walking up the newly formed steps that seemed to go on forever but well worth the effort. Crossing the stream at the base there were magnificent views of the falls to be had. The history of these falls is very interesting. 

Kitekite Falls is a scenic 3 -tiered waterfall. The falls drop a total of 40 metres. From the lookout on Kitekite track the falls appear even higher because there is white water running over rocks into a small pool before beginning an almost vertical descent in the final 3 tiers, making the total height closer to 60 metres. The area was milled for Kauri from 1910-1921 until milling stopped. All the mature trees in the area were cut down. At the top of the falls, it is clear to see the notches in the rocks. The first attempt to drive the logs down the falls resulted in their destruction on the rocks below and the dam was thereafter only used to flush the logs waiting in the stream below down to the mill. 

Kitekite Falls - Dr Stockwell, the first European to lease and buy land here in the valley of Glen Esk, after his birthplace in Scotland. 

The name KItekite has more complex origins and is probably a misspelling of the traditional Te Kawerau a Maki. The traditional name of the falls is Ketekete, and the name of the valley below is Whatiwhati. 

Both names relate to a battle that was fought in the locality in the seventeenth century. Following the murder of Tawhia-ki-te-rangi (otherwise known as Te Kawerau-a Maki Taimaro took revenge by killing a group of visitors from South Kaipara as they visited Piha and its impressive Falls. Taimaro signaled his surprise attack by clicking his tongue- ketekete- hence the name of the falls. The name Whatiwhati refers to the massacre of the group and subsequent flight of the few survivors. 

From here we went back to the carpark and had the usual wonderful spread joined by WOPpers who have not been able to join us this term. After lunch the keen ones then walked around to the Gap and Blowhole  and climbed up to what is known of the tennis court with magnificent views of the Camel and Piha eventually walking back down to the carpark, a wonderful day to end a great term. 

Thanks Kay and all our awesome leaders for a great term 

Cheers Carol W

To see the photos from Carol, click here