There's a beautiful stream called Waihou or (Blue stream) directly off SH 28 near Putaruru in the Waikato, North Island and next to it remains - a beautiful walkway.

At the start of this walkway is a car park. It is surrounded by the most beautiful gentle stream and nice rolling farmland and meandering from here for 5.2 kilometres is truly a piece of heaven.

This beautiful (Blue stream) is coloured by pure water cress which thrives in there and all sorts of aquatic plants add to the beauty of the stream.

The water is crystal clear and curls and flows and ebbs its way around the gentle banks like silk. You wont find a more beautiful stream very easily, anywhere. It even has some fantastic rapids not to mention the lovely little metal and wooden bridges and wooden environmentally friendly public toilet. Side streams etch there way into the main stream adding to it.

Along the path as you cross styles and farm fences you may even notice an occasional horse, wandering goose, duck or farm animal.

You won't be lonely as there are other fellow walkers going the other way.

You may be treated by seeing some very old fashioned abandoned farm implements and redwood trees which are truly glorious.

An old famous maori chief, (the second chief to arrive in New Zealand) use to use the lovely swift flowing stream as a thoroughfare. He use to travel this way. The stream also yielded fish for him to eat, flax for clothes and a place for reflection on his way through the area.

I thoroughly recommend this walkway, stream and adventure to anyone who loves and appreciates nature and all its wonders. One entrance is straight off highway 28 and the other is via Lesley Rd nearby in which you can walk it from the other end. Take a pack lunch and a trout line with polaroid glasses if you wish. Maybe even set out for a family picknick there.

M.K Gordon// 14/8/06