Mokoroa Falls

Mokoroa Falls

Mokoroa Falls is a waterfall located between Muriwai and the Waitākere Ranges in Auckland's west coast in New Zealand.[1] It is located in the Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve.

History

The waterfall was traditionally known by the Te Kawerau ā Maki iwi as Wairere.[2] The name Mokoroa ("long lizard") refers to a taniwha, Te Mokoroa.[3] The pool beneath the waterfall was traditionally called Te Rua ō Te Mokoroa, or the lair of Mokorua.[2] In traditional stories, the ancestor Taiaoroa is credited with killing Te Mokoroa.[2]

Due to the effects of kauri dieback, Goldie Reserve was closed in 2018 in order to stop the spread of disease,[4] and as of 2022 remains closed.[5] During the closure period, the Mokoroa Falls track is being redeveloped, with better infrastructure to better stop the spread of the disease.[6]

References

1. Mokoroa Falls Track, Department of Conservation (Te Papa Atawhai), retrieved 22 March 2020
2. "Te Kawerau ā Maki Deed of Settlement Schedule" (PDF). New Zealand Government. 22 February 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
3. Cameron, Ewen; Hayward, Bruce; Murdoch, Graeme (2008). A Field Guide to Auckland: Exploring the Region's Natural and Historical Heritage (rev. ed.). Random House New Zealand. p. 159. ISBN 978-1-86962-1513.
4. Tokalau, Torika (19 March 2018). "Goldie Bush track temporarily closed in support of rāhui". Stuff. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
5. "Goldie Bush Walkway". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
6. "Mokoroa Falls Track". Department of Conservation (Te Papa Atawhai). Retrieved 22 March 2020.

36.8362°S 174.4720°E / -36.8362; 174.4720