Cook River / Weheka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cook River / Weheka |
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Cook River near State Highway 6
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Southern Alps 890 m (2,920 ft) |
| River mouth | Tasman Sea 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 30 km (19 mi) |
The Cook River / Weheka is an important river located on the South Island of New Zealand. It starts high up in the mountains and flows into the sea.
Contents
About the Cook River / Weheka
The Cook River / Weheka begins its journey in the Southern Alps. Its water comes from the La Perouse Glacier, a large ice mass high in the mountains. From there, the river flows in different directions. It first goes west, then northeast, and finally northwest. The river eventually reaches the Tasman Sea and empties into it.
River Friends and Special Places
As the Cook River flows, other rivers join it. Two important rivers that become part of the Cook River are the Balfour River and the Fox River. The Balfour River gets its water from the Balfour Glacier. The Fox River is fed by the well-known Fox Glacier. A large part of the Cook River flows through the beautiful Westland Tai Poutini National Park. This park is a protected area with amazing nature.
A River with Two Names
The river used to be known only as the Cook River. However, its name was officially changed to Cook River / Weheka in 1998. This change happened because of a special law called the Ngai Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998. This law recognized the importance of Māori names and culture in New Zealand.
What You Can Do at the River
The Cook River is a good place for fishing. People can try to catch Brown trout in its waters. Getting around the river on foot can be tricky, especially past where the Balfour River joins it. Even though it's hard to access, you might spot some wild animals. Animals like chamois, tahr, and small groups of red deer live in the river valley.
