Hope River (Canterbury) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hope River |
|
|---|---|
_(view_from_SH_7).jpg)
Hope River valley
|
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Location of the mouth within New Zealand
|
|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Waiau River |
The Hope River is an important river in the Canterbury area of New Zealand. It is one of three rivers in the South Island that share this name. This river is a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Hope River joins the bigger Waiau River.
Contents
Where the Hope River Begins and Flows
The Hope River starts high up in the mountains at a place called Hope Pass. This pass is part of the Southern Alps, which are the main mountain range running through the South Island.
The River's Path
From Hope Pass, the river flows towards the northeast. It travels through a beautiful natural area known as Lake Sumner Forest Park. After this, it turns south for a bit. Then, it makes a big turn to the east. It follows a large valley that was formed by something called the Hope Fault.
Understanding the Hope Fault
The Hope Fault is a very important tectonic fault line. This means it's a crack in the Earth's crust where two large pieces of land, called tectonic plates, meet and move. This movement can cause earthquakes and shape the land, like creating the valley the Hope River flows through.
Joining Other Rivers
As the Hope River continues its journey, another important river joins it. This is the Boyle River. The Boyle River flows south from the Lewis Pass. It meets the Hope River about 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) before the Hope River joins the Waiau River. The Waiau River itself comes from a side valley. It then flows east along the valley shaped by the Hope Fault. Finally, it turns south and goes through a narrow gorge near Hanmer Springs.
Exploring the Hope River Area
The area around the Hope River is great for outdoor activities. There is a special walking track that follows the river's path. Along this track, you can find several huts. These huts are managed by the Department of Conservation and provide shelter for hikers.
