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Ōwaka River facts for kids

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View towards Tahora, 1916
View along the Ōwaka River towards Tahora, 1916

The Ōwaka River is a cool river that flows through a special area in New Zealand called The Catlins. It's in the southern part of the South Island. Until 2019, its name was officially the Owaka River, but now it has the Māori spelling, Ōwaka.

This river is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) long. It joins up with the Catlins River at a place called Pounawea, where they both flow into the huge Pacific Ocean. Pounawea is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) south of a town called Balclutha.

Where Does the Ōwaka River Start?

The Ōwaka River begins its journey on the slopes of Mount Rosebery. This mountain is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of a town called Clinton. From there, the river flows southeastward, making its way through the beautiful landscapes of The Catlins.

Where is the Ōwaka River Located?

The Ōwaka River is found within the Clutha District. This district is a local government area in the Otago region of New Zealand. The river is an important part of the geography of this area.

Towns and Settlements Along the River

The Town of Owaka

The small town of Owaka is located very close to the Ōwaka River. It sits about one kilometer (0.6 miles) from the river's south bank. The town of Owaka is often seen as the main center of The Catlins area.

The Settlement of Tahora

There was once a small settlement called Tahora right by the Ōwaka River. This was a significant spot because both a road and a railway line crossed the river there. Today, however, there isn't much left to see of the old Tahora settlement.

Learn More About the Ōwaka River

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