Blackwater River (New Zealand) facts for kids

The Blackwater River is actually the name of three different rivers in the northwestern part of the South Island of New Zealand. All three rivers are quite close to each other, located south and east of the town of Westport. One of these rivers was named by the Māori people because its waters looked dark.

Blackwater River in Tasman

This Blackwater River is the one furthest to the east. It flows north through a long, straight valley. It runs alongside the Matakitaki and Tutaki Rivers. This river is about 20 kilometres (12 mi) long. It eventually flows into the Mangles River, near the town of Murchison. (41°49′20″S 172°23′40″E / 41.82222°S 172.39444°E / -41.82222; 172.39444)

Blackwater River, a tributary of the Buller River

This Blackwater River flows for about 19 kilometres (12 mi). It starts on the northern slopes of Mount Copernicus in the Paparoa Ranges. The river flows towards the north-northwest. It joins the Buller River about 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) west of Inangahua in the lower Buller Gorge. (41°50′55″S 171°47′30″E / 41.84861°S 171.79167°E / -41.84861; 171.79167)

Blackwater River, a tributary of the Māwheraiti River

This is the southernmost Blackwater River. It is actually the name given to the lower part of the Big River. This section starts where the Big River meets Blackwater Creek. It then flows into the Māwheraiti (Little Grey) River.

The river generally flows west for about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi). Then, it turns south just before it meets the Māwheraiti River. This meeting point is about 2,500 meters north of the town of Ikamatua. It also joins with the Snowy River about 100 meters before it flows into the Māwheraiti. (42°15′20″S 171°41′10″E / 42.25556°S 171.68611°E / -42.25556; 171.68611)