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Ōhau River (Canterbury) facts for kids

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Ōhau River
Country New Zealand
Physical characteristics
Main source Lake Ōhau
River mouth Lake Ruataniwha
Length 8 km (5 mi)

The Ōhau River is a short river in New Zealand. It connects Lake Ōhau with the artificial lake Lake Ruataniwha. This river is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long. It flows through the Mackenzie Basin.

About the Ōhau River

The Ōhau River is a special waterway. It helps link two important lakes in the Mackenzie Basin. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes.

The river's main job is to carry water from Lake Ōhau. It then flows into Lake Ruataniwha. This makes it a key part of the local water system.

Where is the Ōhau River?

The Ōhau River is located in the South Island of New Zealand. It is found in the Mackenzie Basin. This basin is a large, flat area.

The river also forms part of an important boundary. It helps mark the traditional border between the Otago and Canterbury regions.

How the River Changed

For a long time, the Ōhau River was much longer. It used to be about 13 miles (21 kilometers) long. It flowed into the Waitaki River.

However, things changed when the Waitaki River hydroelectric project was built. This project created dams and new lakes. Because of this, the Ōhau River now ends at Lake Ruataniwha. This lake was created as part of the hydroelectric project.

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