Aparima River facts for kids

For the French Polynesian dance, see 'aparima

The Aparima River, once known as Jacob's River, is a cool river in Southland, New Zealand. It's a special type of river called a braided river, which means it splits into many smaller channels that look like braids before joining back together. This river flows south towards the sea.

The Journey of the Aparima River

The Aparima River starts high up in the Takitimu Mountains, which are south of Lake Te Anau. From there, it flows south for about 100 kilometers (that's about 62 miles!). Finally, it reaches the sea at Foveaux Strait, near a town called Riverton. This is at the top end of Oreti Beach.

Long ago, local whalers called the river "Jacob's River." This was because a Māori man named Jacob lived near the river's mouth. The name "Jacob's River" was used for both the river and the town that grew up there.

A River That Shapes the Land

The Aparima River is one of the rivers that helped create the huge flat area known as the Southland Plains. This flat land is an alluvial plain, which means it was formed over many years by the river carrying and dropping off soil, sand, and gravel.

Home for Special Birds

This river is also very important for birds! It has been named an Important Bird Area by an organization called BirdLife International. This is because the Aparima River is a safe place for endangered black-billed gulls to build their nests and raise their chicks. Protecting places like the Aparima River helps these rare birds survive.