The waterways around Pokeno supported whanau kai (food), including eels, watercress, and koura (freshwater crayfish). But the best use of the waterways were during the summer season where little streams made way for swimming. Over the years, swimming holes were made at different places along the stream leading all the way into the waterfall. This is a very popular swimming hole today in 2024. Here we share stories of Pokeno waterfall, Whangamarino wetlands, the Mangatawhiri stream, and the Waikato River.