Hokitika River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hokitika River |
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Hokitika River with Southern Alps in the background
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Southern Alps |
| River mouth | Tasman Sea |
| Length | 64 kilometres (40 mi) |
The Hokitika River is a beautiful river located on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand. It stretches for about 64 kilometers (40 miles). This river starts high up in the Southern Alps. It then flows through the narrow Hokitika Gorge. After joining with the Whitcombe River, it finally empties into the Tasman Sea. This happens just south of the town of Hokitika.
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About the Hokitika River
The Hokitika River is an important natural feature of the West Coast. It helps shape the land and supports local activities. The river's journey from the mountains to the sea is quite long. It passes through different types of landscapes along the way.
Where the River Flows
The Hokitika River begins its journey high in the Southern Alps. These are tall mountains in New Zealand. As it flows, it meets another river called the Whitcombe River. They join together before the Hokitika River enters a tight, rocky area known as the Hokitika Gorge. After leaving the gorge, the river continues its path. It eventually reaches the Tasman Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean.
Farming and the River
The Hokitika River and its eastern branch, the Kokatahi River, have created a special flat area of land. This area is called an alluvial plain. It's known as the Kowhitirangi-Kokatahi plain. This land is very rich and good for growing things. Because the soil is so fertile, it's widely used for dairy farming. This means many cows live here and produce milk.
The River's Gold Rush History
A long time ago, the entrance to the Hokitika River was used as a harbor. This was during the time of the West Coast Gold Rush. Many people came to this area hoping to find gold. Ships would try to enter the river to bring supplies and people.
However, entering the river was very dangerous. There was a sand bar at the river's mouth. A sand bar is a ridge of sand built up by the water. It made the entrance shallow and risky for ships. Many ships were wrecked trying to get in. After the gold rush ended, fewer ships used the river as a harbor. Today, it is no longer used for large ships.
