Cass River (Selwyn District) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cass River |
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The Cass River in the Southern Alps
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 1,540 m (5,050 ft) |
| River mouth | Waimakariri River 525 m (1,722 ft) |
| Length | 13 km (8.1 mi) |
The Cass River is a cool mountain river found in the Canterbury area of New Zealand's South Island. It starts high up in the mountains near a place called Cass Saddle. From there, it flows generally towards the northeast, running alongside the Craigieburn Range. Eventually, it turns north and joins up with the larger Waimakariri River.
You can easily spot the Cass River if you're traveling on State Highway 73 or riding the Midland Line train. Both of these important routes cross the lower parts of the river, close to a small farming area also named Cass.
Where Does the Cass River Flow?
The Cass River begins its journey high in the mountains, specifically near the Cass Saddle. This area is part of the Craigieburn Forest Park, a beautiful natural space. The river then travels about 13 kilometers (that's about 8 miles) through the landscape.
As it flows, the Cass River drops quite a bit in height. It starts at an elevation of about 1,540 meters (around 5,052 feet) above sea level. By the time it reaches the Waimakariri River, it's at a much lower elevation of 525 meters (about 1,722 feet). This drop in height means the water can flow quite quickly!
Who Was Thomas Cass?
The Cass River, along with the nearby railway station and the small settlement, are all named after an important person named Thomas Cass. He was a chief surveyor for the Canterbury Province from 1851 to 1867.
A surveyor is someone who measures and maps out land. Thomas Cass played a big role in mapping the Canterbury region during those years. Naming places after him was a way to honor his contributions to the area.
Protecting the River's Future
Rivers like the Cass River are very important for the environment and for people. Sometimes, groups or companies want to use water from rivers for different purposes, like watering farms.
A local company once asked for permission to take water from the Cass River. They wanted to use it to water about 550 hectares (that's roughly 1,359 acres) of farmland nearby. However, in March 2013, a group of experts working for Environment Canterbury decided not to allow this.
They were worried about how taking too much water might affect the beautiful natural scenery and the quality of the river's water. Protecting the environment and keeping our rivers healthy is a big job, and decisions like this help make sure our natural places stay safe for everyone.
