Eglinton River facts for kids

The Eglinton River is a beautiful river found in the Southland region of New Zealand. It flows for about 50 kilometers (31 miles) through the amazing Fiordland National Park. The river starts at Lake Gunn and travels south, eventually joining Lake Te Anau.

Where the Eglinton River Flows

The Eglinton River begins its journey at Lake Gunn. This lake is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Milford Sound. From Lake Gunn, the river flows mostly south. It then enters Lake Te Anau on the lake's eastern side.

A Road Trip Along the River

For most of its length, the Eglinton River runs alongside State Highway 94. This is the only main road in the area, connecting Te Anau to Milford Sound. If you drive this road, you'll see the river right beside you! The southern end of the famous Milford Track is also very close to the Eglinton River.

Discovering the Eglinton River's History

The first Europeans to explore the Eglinton River were David McKellar and George Gunn in 1861. The river was later named by James McKerrow, a surveyor from Otago. He named it after Archibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton. The road that is now State Highway 94 was built in 1935. This made it much easier for people to visit and explore the beautiful valley.

River Life and Activities

The Eglinton River starts small when it leaves Lake Gunn. However, it gets much bigger when Cascade Creek joins it just south of the lake. There are also some short, narrow sections of the river called gorges.

Fishing and Wildlife

The Eglinton River is a great spot for fishing. You can find both rainbow trout and brown trout in the river, especially up to Cascade Creek. The area around the river is also home to various wildlife. Hunters often look for deer throughout the region. You might even find wild pigs near where the river meets Lake Te Anau.