Clarke River (Westland District) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clarke River |
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Clarke River from near the Rough Creek Confluence, Westland, New Zealand
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Hooker 1,640 m (5,380 ft) |
| River mouth | Haast River 121 m (397 ft) |
| Length | 27 km (17 mi) |
The Clarke River is a river in New Zealand. It flows through the Westland District on the South Island. This river is the most southern of three rivers in New Zealand that share the name "Clarke River."
Contents
What is the Clarke River?
The Clarke River is an important waterway. It is known as a "tributary" of the Haast River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. The Clarke River helps feed water into the Haast River.
Where Does the Clarke River Start?
The Clarke River begins high up in the mountains. Its source is on the slopes of Mount Hooker. This mountain is a part of the Southern Alps. The river starts at an elevation of about 1,640 meters (5,380 feet).
How Does the River Flow?
From Mount Hooker, the Clarke River flows towards the southwest. As it travels, it meets another river called the Landsborough River. These two rivers join together. About three kilometers after they meet, their combined waters flow into the Haast River.
Journey to the Sea
Once the Clarke River's water joins the Haast River, the Haast River turns west. It then continues its journey towards the coast. Finally, the water from the Clarke River, now part of the Haast River, empties into the Tasman Sea. The Tasman Sea is a large body of water located between New Zealand and Australia. The mouth of the Clarke River, where it joins the Haast, is at an elevation of about 121 meters (397 feet). The total length of the Clarke River is about 27 kilometers (17 miles).
