Washpen Falls are on a tributary of the Hororata River, near Windwhistle, an area named for fairly obvious reasons - the prevailing northwesterly wind is ferocious! Exploring Washpen Falls takes people through caves, waterfalls, Māori history, interesting geology and botany with stunning views across the Canterbury plains, all accompanied by native bird song. The falls got their name from pens that farmers built in the creek during the later part of the 1800s so that the wool of their sheep would be clean when it reached England. The poor sheep were put in there to wash the wool prior to shearing.
Geologically, the waterfall formed from a volcanic eruption 89 million years ago that created the chasm and gorges present today. Other volcanic evidence is seen on the walk.
On the walk people can also see the Southern rata. Washpen Falls is #5 on the Canterbury Crimson Trail. Project Crimson is a trust established in 1990 to restore the blaze of crimson blooms in forests and coastlines that had been largely destroyed in previous decades.
Early European settlers cleared the land for farming but prior to this the Māori had a campsite near the gorge where they trapped moa. Evidence of some umu (ovens) where the moa were cooked is still visible.
Today the family that owns this are actively helping the land to regenerate with native species. The conservation project began over 60 years ago and continues today. The family established a 2 hour walking track through their farm that the public can enjoy for a small fee that goes to track maintenance.
From the cache drive up the 2km to the woolshed and in the rustic office you can see some of the history including an award given to the family for enhancing Canterbury's natural or physical resources. It is a fun walk to do if you are interested. It has a little bit of everything. NO DOGS ARE PERMITTED. You will need a pen.