Great New Zealand River Journeys: The Waikato River with Lynda Topp

Lynda Topp, one half of iconic comedy duo the Topp Twins, takes a journey along the mighty Waikato. From Port Waikato all the way to the river's hidden source outside Taupō, Topp makes frequent stops en route — including to interview Ginette Roose, daughter of Caesar Roose, a pioneer in modern commercial use of the waterway. Topp also explores some of the river's Māori history, dropping in at Rangiriri and Taupiri maunga, and meeting Eva Rickard. Whether steering the Olympic women's rowing eight, or getting up close with the torrid Huka Falls, Topp finds a good old cuppa at every bend of Aotearoa's longest river.

There’s little doubt that we are beginning to understand much more about the spiritual value of this river. The Māori people are now encouraging us to understand that. It's about understanding how this is the lifeblood of the land, and therefore it's the lifeblood of the people...

– Hamilton mayor Margaret Evans

Key Cast & Crew

Jools Topp

Subject

George Andrews

Producer

Lynda Topp

Presenter

Chris Burt

Sound Mix

John Irwin

Cinematographer

Melanie Rodriga (née Read)

Director, Editor