Flowing down to the Upper Nihotupu Reservoir is Judson Stream. This stream rises under Parkinsons Lookout. Its location is pinpointed with precision. The latitude is -36.933063. The longitude stretches to 174.561016.
Let’s dive deeper into Auckland’s historical waterways. Early Maori used a clever communication network. This network took advantage of natural geographical features. The hub of this ancient system? The Waitemata Harbour.
Governor Hobson chose Auckland as the site. He declared he was influenced by internal water communications. He recognized Maori had used the network for ages. These portages are easily identified today. Aucklanders and visitors are encouraged to inspect them.
Te Tamakimakaurau forms a natural communications center. The importance of the waterways network was recognized early. It happened soon after the first Maori settlers arrived in New Zealand.
The early Tamaki Isthmus was described as a natural Venice. Canoes must have been numerous. They were as necessary as gondolas. Governor William Hobson inspected the Waitemata area. This happened not long after he landed in New Zealand. It was early in 1840. He approved a site for the proposed capital. It was for the settlement of Auckland.
Hobson included two main reasons for his choice. He mentioned them in a dispatch. It was from Government House, Russell. The dispatch was dated 15 October 1840. It was to the Secretary of State for Colonies, Lord John Russell. He cited its central position. He also noted the great facility of internal water communications. This included the Kaipara. Its branches went northward. Also, the Manakao Manukau and Waikato went southward.
Missionary Henry Williams directed Hobson’s attention. He pointed him to the Waitemata region. It was a suitable site for the new capital. Williams had explored the area. He did this in the early 1830s.
Land tracks formed an important part of the communications network. This was within the central part of the isthmus. Many tracks extended along the tops of ridges. They developed into roads later. This happened after the start of European settlement. Present-day St Stephens Avenue is an example. So are Parnell Road and Manukau Road. Remuera Road is too.
The Waikato River played a role. The short Waiuku portage brought voyagers to the Manukau Harbour. Once Te Whau and the Ngongitepata portages were crossed, voyagers had a clear run. They went north into the northern Wairoa River. People living in the Waikato and Waiuku districts gained access. They went to the western side of the Hauraki Gulf. They used the Manukau Harbour. They could use any of three portages. These went across the narrow part of the isthmus. All three portages terminated at the Tamaki River. Northbound voyagers proceeded north. They traveled off the east coast. They hugged the land. They portaged again across the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
The river system was usually preferred. North-south voyagers preferred it to the sea passage. The eastern route off the coast was vulnerable. It was vulnerable to adverse weather. To join the main western artery, voyagers headed north. This was north of the Waitemata Harbour entrance. They entered the mouth of the Weiti River. Then they portaged. They went from the Weiti River to the Kaukapakapa River. Then they continued to Kaipara Harbour.
The southern circular route included the Mangawara portage. It enabled Waikato people to reach the Waitemata Harbour. They carried their canoes over only one portage. This was if they desired. It also depended on the circumstances.
William Colenso reported something in 1842. Maori could voyage nearly five hundred kilometers. They used rivers and sheltered tidal waters. This went from about Horahora on the Waikato River. It reached around Tangowahine on the northern Wairoa River. The Waikato is navigable by canoes. It goes well over one hundred and sixty kilometers. It stretches from about Horahora.
The network of waterways and portages provided both. It provided disadvantages and advantages. This was for people living in and near Te Tamaki makaurau. Some of the portages are delineated in early maps.
Consider visiting the area around Judson Stream. Imagine the early Maori skillfully navigating these waters. Think of them carrying their canoes. They connected different parts of the island. The stream is more than just a waterway. It’s a link to Auckland’s rich past.