Freshwater River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Freshwater River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Stewart Island / Rakiura |
| River mouth | Paterson Inlet |
The Freshwater River is a special river in New Zealand. It is the longest river on Stewart Island / Rakiura, which is the third largest island in the country. This makes it unique because it's the longest river in New Zealand not found on the North or South Islands.
Discovering the Freshwater River
The Freshwater River starts near the northwest tip of Stewart Island. It flows towards the southeast, traveling about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). Its journey takes it through a flat area called the Ruggedy Flat. Finally, the river reaches the Paterson Inlet on the central east coast of the island.
What Makes the River's Area Special?
The area around the Freshwater River is very large. It covers about 150 square kilometers (58 square miles). This is almost one-tenth of the total size of Stewart Island! This big area is mostly a wide, swampy basin. A basin is like a large bowl-shaped area of land.
Exploring the River's Path
If you love hiking, there's a walking track that follows the lower part of the Freshwater River. This track lets people explore the beautiful nature around the river. It's a great way to see the unique plants and animals that live in this part of New Zealand.
