Kitekite Falls

The area close to Kitekite Falls was milled for kauri from 1910, when logs were flushed downstream to the Piha Mill. The mill operated adjacent to the waterfall (downstream at the site of Stedfast Park) until 1921.[4] 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 (rectangular cutouts for large pieces of wood to rest in). This was the location of the Glen Esk dam. The first attempt to drive 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. The remains of the heavy beams used can still be found in the stream today although they tend to move from time to time. In 2007 a beam fell, broke and half of it wedged itself into rocks at the base of the three tiered falls.[5]

The walk reopened Boxing Day 2018 with more covered walkways to protect the kauri. It had been closed to the public due to kauri dieback and under rāhui from Te Kawerau ā Maki in conjunction with the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and Auckland Council. Te Kawerau ā Maki have released a clarification on the area covered by the Waitakere rāhui to make it clear to residents and visitors that it only covers the forest, but that within the forest all tracks are closed by the rāhui. From the carpark at the end of Glenesk Road, directions are clearly signposted.

A loop track, used by around 30,000 people a year (2005),[6] follows the Glen Esk Stream with minor undulations (on the south side) up to a lookout with a large Macrocarpa bench seat, made by offenders doing community work (2005). The track then descends down wooden steps to the base of the falls (40 minutes from the carpark). The track then crosses the stream next to the lower swimming hole and returns down the north side. Walkers can also climb a reasonably steep track (the Connect Track), which begins about 100m from the base of the falls on the northern side of the stream. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the top of the falls.[7] There is a swimming hole at the top.

New Zealand long fin eel at the base of the falls.

It has taken many decades for the young kauri (Agathis australis), known as 'rickers', to regenerate and finally begin to emerge through the forest canopy again. Many sharp-pointed, cone-shaped rickers can be seen from the Kitekite loop track near the falls. At about 100 years old, kauri begin to develop a spreading crown. It is now approaching 100 years since milling stopped. The crowns generally continue to expand for a further 500 years.[8]

The walk to the falls progresses through a patch of nikau palms where the call of the tūī is frequently heard from above. Other native plants include silver tree-ferns, pūriri trees whose red berries attract kererū (native pigeon), and the rangiora plant (termed 'bushman's friend' due to the soft underside of its broad leaf).[9] The falls have been identified as a site of a rare moss Fissidens rigidulus var. pseudostrictus.[10]

New Zealand longfin eel, (Anguilla dieffenbachii) hide among the rocks around the base of the falls.

The name 'Kitekite' is likely a misspelling. While sometimes listed as Kitakita, Te Kawerau ā Maki kaumātua Rewi Spraggon believes the traditional name was Ketekete, referring to a clicking sound made before an ambush.[11]

'Glen Esk' stream was named by William Stockwell. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1876 and bought land above Kitekite Falls soon after his arrival. He named the area 'Glen Esk' because it reminded him of his homeland in Scotland.[12] 'Glen', from Gaelic, an Indo-European language spoken in Scotland and Ireland, means 'valley'. 'Esk' is of Celtic origin and means 'water'.

The falls are used for canyoning by an Auckland Regional Parks licensed operator.[13] The issuing of the licence was a 'hot issue' at the 2002 AGM of the Piha Ratepayers and Residents Association where residents voiced concern over the environmental impact to the Kitekite Falls. However, ARC recreation coordinator Lee Whiley said there were no concerns.[14] This recreational activity continues to this day under close monitoring by council. Climbing on the falls (going off track) is strictly prohibited and can only be done with a permit or licensed guide. Restrictions are in place to protect the rare moss growing in the wet areas of the waterfall.

• 
  View from the Kitekite track lookout. The track then takes a steep descent to the base of the falls.
• 
  This young Kauri is around 100 years old. Its crown is beginning to spread above the forest canopy.
• 
  The Kitekite track descending to the base of the falls after the lookout. A beautiful Nikau Palm.
• 
  The upper swimming hole is just out of view above this small white water fall.
• 
  The 3-tiered falls descend 40m. Above them, waterfalls cascade over rocks (set back in pic)down about 40 m.
• 
  From this upper swimming hole, water cascades down 40 m before a final descent of 40 m over the three tiers.

• Waterfalls of New Zealand

• Piha at the Auckland Council
• KiteKite Falls at World of Waterfalls

36.961277°S 174.489219°E / -36.961277; 174.489219