Edwards River (North Canterbury) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edwards River |
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Location of the mouth within New Zealand
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Saint James Range 1420m |
| River mouth | Waiau River 550m |
| Length | 15km |
The Edwards River is a river found in the northern part of New Zealand's Canterbury Region. It's one of two rivers in New Zealand that share this name, and this particular one is the more northern of the two.
About the Edwards River
The Edwards River is a relatively short river, flowing for about 15 kilometers (about 9 miles). It's known for its interesting journey through different types of landscapes.
Where the River Begins
The Edwards River starts high up in the mountains, specifically on the southern slopes of the Saint James Range. It begins its journey at an elevation of 1420 meters (about 4,659 feet) above sea level. Near its source, you can find peaks like Mount Horrible and Mount Sadd.
The River's Path
When the Edwards River first begins, it flows south through a valley that has very steep sides. Imagine a narrow, deep cut in the land! As it continues, the river then turns and flows westwards.
In the middle part of its journey, the valley around the river becomes much wider. Here, the river changes its shape and becomes what is called a braided river. This means the river splits into many smaller channels that weave in and out of each other, often with banks made of small stones and gravel, called shingle banks.
As the Edwards River gets closer to its end, it passes through another steep-sided area known as a gorge. This happens just before it joins another, larger river.
Joining the Waiau River
The Edwards River is a tributary of the Waiau River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. The Edwards River flows along the northern edges of the Hanmer Range before it meets the Waiau River. Its mouth, where it joins the Waiau River, is at an elevation of 550 meters (about 1,804 feet).
