Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, it is only 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. There is a great range of activities on Waiheke including sightseeing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, vineyard & winery tours and much more. The Mighty River Waikato: from Hinaki to Hydropower
The Waikato River, the longest in New Zealand, is located in the central North Island. Rising on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park as the Tongariro River, it flows north through Lake Taupo and, issuing from the lake's northeastern corner, tumbles over Huka Falls and flows northwest to enter the Tasman Sea south of Auckland. The river is 264 miles (425 km) long. It has a gentle gradient and carries a heavy load of ash from the volcanic highlands. The Waikato has formed numerous lakes and lagoons along its lower reaches.
Its power grows every metre as it draws strength from countless drains, streams and springs. On its journey, the Waikato River churns through the turbines of eight dams, lighting much of the North Island. It feeds on sewage from eight towns and one city, Hamilton, and is mixed with treated waste from 10 or more major industries. It’s warmed by Huntly Power Station, thickened by fertilisers and leachates from rubbish dumps, pumped into orchards and farms for irrigation, and drunk by 140,000 people.