Key Takeaways
- Record temperatures in Kerikeri have highlighted the declining access to once-popular swimming spots in the town.
- The closure of Fairy Pools Lane, a popular swimming spot, has been extended indefinitely due to a housing development.
- Residents are concerned about the loss of access to swimming spots, particularly for those without cars or transport.
- The town’s best freshwater swimming spot, Charlie’s Rock, is still accessible but requires a 20-minute walk via a bouldery path.
- The community is compiling a list of remaining swimming spots, including Charlie’s Rock, the pool at Rainbow Falls, and waterholes along Wairoa Stream.
Introduction to Kerikeri’s Swimming Spots
Kerikeri, a town in Northland, New Zealand, has been experiencing record-breaking temperatures, with the maximum temperature reaching 32.7C on a recent Sunday. This has led to an increased demand for swimming spots, but the town is facing a long-standing issue of declining access to once-popular swimming spots. The closure of Fairy Pools Lane, a popular swimming spot, has been extended indefinitely due to a housing development, leaving residents concerned about the loss of access to swimming spots.
The Closure of Fairy Pools Lane
Fairy Pools Lane, which was once a popular swimming spot, was closed by the Far North District Council in November 2024 for a supposed four-month period. However, the closure was extended indefinitely, with the council citing safety reasons due to the housing development. The developer, Turnstone, has been working on the site, and the council has stated that the closure will remain until all major development works have been completed. Residents, including young swimmers, have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the closure, citing the importance of access to swimming spots, particularly for those without cars or transport.
Alternative Swimming Spots
While Fairy Pools Lane remains closed, residents have been flocking to alternative swimming spots, including Charlie’s Rock, a scenic waterfall on Kerikeri’s Waipapa River. Charlie’s Rock is considered the town’s best freshwater swimming spot, with its cool water and jumping-off places. However, it requires a 20-minute walk via a bouldery path, which can be challenging for less mobile residents. Other alternative swimming spots include the pool at Rainbow Falls, Waipapa Landing, and waterholes along Wairoa Stream, accessed via a bush track off Cobham Road.
Community Concerns
The closure of Fairy Pools Lane has sparked concerns among the community, with residents expressing their disappointment and frustration. Long-time Kerikeri resident Anne Trussler lamented the loss of what she described as "a serene and beautiful spot". She said that Fairy Pools was her late father’s favorite place, where he used to take his dog for daily walks. Now, she is unable to go there to remember him. The community group, Our Kerikeri, has compiled a list of the town’s remaining swimming spots, highlighting the need for accessible swimming spots, particularly for those without cars or transport.
The Impact of Development
The closure of Fairy Pools Lane is a result of the housing development on the surrounding land. The roughly 20-hectare property, between Kerikeri’s town centre, the Heritage Bypass, and Kerikeri River, was sold to a developer in 2021. The development plans include up to 350 homes, a "lifestyle village", new roads, and commercial premises. While the development is expected to bring economic growth to the area, it has also raised concerns about the impact on the environment and the community. The recent record-breaking temperatures have highlighted the need for accessible swimming spots, and the community is calling for the council to prioritize the reopening of Fairy Pools Lane.
Conclusion
The closure of Fairy Pools Lane has highlighted the declining access to once-popular swimming spots in Kerikeri. While alternative swimming spots are available, they may not be accessible to all residents, particularly those without cars or transport. The community is calling for the council to prioritize the reopening of Fairy Pools Lane and to ensure that accessible swimming spots are available to all residents. As the town continues to grow and develop, it is essential to balance economic growth with the needs of the community and the environment.