Hautapu River (Manawatū-Whanganui) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hautapu River
Bridge over the Hautapu River, 1906
Physical characteristics
Main source	Ngamatea Swamp
River mouth	Rangitikei River
Length	over 34 km (21 mi)

The Hautapu River is a river in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand. It originates from Ngamatea Swamp in the New Zealand Army's Waiouru Training area. From here it flows south, through private farmland, and in some places following State Highway 1, for several kilometres before entering the Rangitikei River south of Taihape.

The river has several waterfalls. In 1908 one was described as 15 feet (4.6 m) high, though a photograph from that era indicates it may be smaller.

Turangarere Bridge, Hautapu River, where the NIMT follows a horseshoe curve

For most of its length the river is closely followed by the North Island Main Trunk and is crossed twice by the railway. The river was diverted in 1905 to avoid the need for a further two railway bridges.

Fishing

The Hautapu is well regarded as a trout fishing stream. In the summer months it can hold relatively good sized brown trout that can be targeted by either dry-fly or nymphing techniques. The river was restocked with brown trout in 1920.

Images for kids

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  Bridge over the Hautapu River, 1906