Looking for Dorothy

New Zealand is a country of waterfalls. Does that suggest it rains a lot under the long white cloud?

New Zealand has 249 named waterfalls spread from north to south.

As with most monikers in Aotearoa-New Zealand, waterfall names are mostly of Maori or British origin.

``Bridal veil’’ is an overused name for waterfalls. ``rere’’ is also frequently used within waterfall names –to leap or fall.

 Waterfalls are also named after real people. One of the highest, Sutherland Falls, is a highlight while walking the Milford Track in Fiordland. The 580 metre-high falls are named after Donald Sutherland, a colourful pioneer of Milford Sound.

Tourist promotions will have us seeking out the best known and spectacular features of New Zealand’s natural environment. I suspect money spent on such advertising suits crowded tourism.

For my money, I delight in discovering almost hidden away natural wonders.

Waterfall in Arthur's Pass National Park, named after the Devil himself

 One is Dorothy Falls, inland from Hokitika and close to magnificent Lake Kanerie. Dorothy Falls are found along a narrow gravel road just beyond Hans Bay, a popular picnic, camping and swimming spot on the eastern side of Lake Kanerie. Despite being visible from the road, it would be easy to pass by Dorothy Falls. They semi-hide amongst tree ferns and other foliage growing abundantly in the high rainfall West Coast climate. Dorothy Falls are 64 metres high. Much of the upper section is out of site, having the visitor thinking they are about half that height. Gazing upwards one will see water gushing through a narrow rock cleft. The water cascades in multi steps to its base pool.  

We have to walk from the road to the falls. The Department of Conversation sign agreeably indicates the walk is two minutes –return.

Dorothy Falls near lake Kaneri on South Island West Coast

A jumble of smooth rounded boulders surround the base of the falls. They can be climbed on or used for a photogenic foreground. The water is a tanned hue, owing to a predominance of fern roots. Nearby Lake Kanerie where Dorothy Fall’s water drains to is also tanned. The water is, however, clean and safe for water sports.

Dorothy Falls are part of the 7000 ha. Lake Kanerie Scenic Reserve.

Dorothy Falls- semi hidden gem Falling in leaps Who was Dorothy?

Another short walk follows the stream from the falls to the lake. If one is able to launch onto the lake in a boat the full height of Dorothy Falls can be seen. One would also see the surrounding mountains that are reflected in the unruffled lake.

 I was confident there must be a real Dorothy who was the inspiration for naming the waterfall. A comprehensive appeal had a colleague kindly respond.

According to mythology Dorothy Gale, from Kansas, was blown to New Zealand on a tornado. She landed amongst the native forests of the South Island West Coast. Covered in dust and grime from her oceanic trip, she was glad of a thorough rinsing in a waterfall. The waterfall she chose for her scrubbing down was initially named ``Brown Falls’’ owing to the colour of the water ensuing from Dorothy’s grime.

Later, the falls were renamed to honour Dorothy Gale and her blustery arrival in New Zealand. A much more suitable name methinks.