In the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, there is an impressive display of the natural world’s true power. Huka Falls is a set of waterfalls on the Waikato river, draining away from Lake Taupo.
This is, however, not your average waterfall. A few hundred meters before the falls, the river narrows from over 100 meters wide to a canyon just 15 meters across. This generates a huge and powerful rapid leading up to the falls. Ultimately over 220,000 litres (58,000+ gallons) of water shoot off the 11 meter (36 foot) high waterfall each minute. The force is so strong that boats cannot even approach from below, due to the very strong back-current.
The whole scene is impressive to see – there is a foot bridge right over the rapids, and several viewing points along the falls themselves. Hopefully this video can do it some justice!
