Grey River (New Zealand) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grey River / Māwheranui |
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Cobden Bridge over the Grey River near its mouth at Greymouth
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The Grey River system
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | West Coast |
| Cities | Stillwater, Cobden, Greymouth |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Southern Alps (Saint Arnaud Range) Lake Christabel, New Zealand |
| River mouth | Tasman Sea New Zealand 0 m (0 ft) |
The Grey River / Māwheranui is an important river on the South Island of New Zealand. It flows for about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from its source in the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea. The river is known by two names: Grey River, named after a former New Zealand Governor, and Māwheranui, its traditional Māori name.
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About the Grey River / Māwheranui
The Grey River / Māwheranui starts in Lake Christabel. This lake is one of many small lakes on the western side of the Southern Alps. From there, the river flows west for 120 kilometres (about 75 miles). It eventually empties into the Tasman Sea at a town called Greymouth.
How the River Got Its Names
The river has two official names. The name "Grey River" was given by Thomas Brunner. He explored this area in the late 1840s. He named it after Sir George Grey, who was the Governor of New Zealand from 1845 to 1854.
The river's Māori name is Māwheranui. The word Māwhera is the Māori name for the river system and the land around it. Māwheranui means the "big Māwhera," to tell it apart from the smaller "Little Grey River / Māwheraiti." The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage says that Māwheranui means "broad and widespread (river mouth)." In 1998, a law called the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 officially changed the river's name to Grey River / Māwheranui.
River Features and Tributaries
Many smaller rivers flow into the Grey River. These smaller rivers are called tributaries. Some of these tributaries also drain water from lakes. Two important tributaries are the Ahaura River and the Arnold River. The Arnold River flows out of Lake Brunner. Lake Brunner is the largest lake in the northwest part of the South Island.
There is a small hydroelectric power station on the Grey River. It is located about 25 kilometres (15 miles) upstream from where the river meets the sea. This station uses the river's water to create electricity.
The Greymouth Bar
Near where the Grey River meets the sea, there is a large sandbar. This sandbar is known as the Greymouth bar. It can be quite dangerous for ships trying to enter or leave the river.
Keeping the River Clean
In the past, wastewater from nearby towns like Greymouth was released directly into the Grey River without being cleaned. Now, the local council has made changes to clean the wastewater. This means the river is much cleaner. However, sometimes after very heavy rain, like in spring, the cleaning system can get overloaded. During these times, some untreated water might still enter the river. Efforts are ongoing to improve this system and keep the river healthy.
