Blackwater River (New Zealand) facts for kids

Blackwater River is the name of three rivers in the northwestern South Island of New Zealand, one flowing into the Mangles River, one into the Buller River between Westport and Inangahua Junction (named due to the dark coloured waters the Māori discovered), and one into the Māwheraiti (Little Grey) River. All three rivers are within a few kilometres of each other, to the south and east of Westport.

Blackwater River, Tasman

The easternmost of the three Blackwater Rivers flows due north along a long straight valley, parallel to and equidistant from, the Matakitaki and Tutaki Rivers, reaching the Mangles River just to the east of the town of Murchison. It is some 20 kilometres (12 mi) in length. (41°49′20″S 172°23′40″E / 41.82222°S 172.39444°E / -41.82222; 172.39444)

Blackwater River, West Coast (Buller River tributary)

The Blackwater River flows north-northwest for 19 kilometres (12 mi) from the northern slopes of Mount Copernicus in the Paparoa Ranges, reaching the Buller River 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, West Coast (Māwheraiti River tributary)

The southernmost Blackwater River is the name given to the lower reaches of the Big River, from its junction with the Blackwater Creek to its outflow into the Māwheraiti (Little Grey) River. It flows generally westwards for 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) before turning southwards immediately prior to its junction with the Māwheraiti 2500 metres north of the township of Ikamatua. It joins with the similar-sized Snowy River 100 metres before its junction with the Māwheraiti. (42°15′20″S 171°41′10″E / 42.25556°S 171.68611°E / -42.25556; 171.68611)