Fox River (Westland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fox River |
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River near the head of the glacier
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Fox Glacier |
| River mouth | Cook River/Weheka 70 metres (230 ft) |
| Length | 8 km (5.0 mi) |
The Fox River is a short but interesting river in the Westland District of New Zealand. It's located on the beautiful West Coast of the South Island. This river gets its water from two main places. One source is a spring in the Fox Range mountains. The other, and perhaps more famous, source is the melting ice from the amazing Fox Glacier.
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Where Does the Fox River Start?
The Fox River begins high up in the mountains. Imagine water flowing from a natural spring, bubbling out of the ground. At the same time, ice from the huge Fox Glacier slowly melts. This meltwater also feeds the river. It's pretty cool to think that a river can start from both underground water and a giant ice river!
The Fox Glacier's Role
The Fox Glacier is a very large glacier. It flows down from the Southern Alps. As the glacier moves, its ice slowly melts, especially at its lower end. This melting ice creates a lot of water. This water then forms the beginning of the Fox River. Glaciers are like frozen rivers of ice. When they melt, they feed real rivers.
Journey to the Sea
From its mountain beginnings, the Fox River flows west. It travels a short distance, about 8 kilometers (5 miles). Its journey ends when it joins another river called the Cook River/Weheka. The Cook River then flows into the mighty Tasman Sea. The Tasman Sea is the large body of water between New Zealand and Australia. So, the water from the Fox River eventually makes its way to the ocean!
Meeting the Cook River
The Fox River is a tributary of the Cook River. This means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Cook River is also fed by glaciers and mountain streams. When the Fox River joins the Cook River, their waters combine. They then continue their journey together towards the coast.
Exploring the Fox River Area
The area around the Fox River is very scenic. It is part of a national park. The Department of Conservation helps protect this beautiful nature. They also make it easy for people to explore.
Short Walks and Views
The Department of Conservation has created special walking paths. These paths run alongside the Fox River. They are often short and easy walks. They let visitors enjoy the stunning views of the river, the surrounding forests, and sometimes even glimpses of the Fox Glacier. These walks are a great way to experience New Zealand's amazing natural beauty.
