Kerikeri River (Waikato) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kerikeri River |
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Rapids beside Ruakiwi Rd
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 170 metres (560 ft) |
| River mouth | Raglan Harbour 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 9 km (5.6 mi) |
The Kerikeri River is a short river located in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It flows into the northern part of Raglan Harbour. This river is an important part of the local landscape and history.
About the Kerikeri River
The Kerikeri River is about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) long. It starts at an elevation of 170 meters (558 feet) and flows down to sea level where it meets Raglan Harbour. The river's path is shaped by the land around it.
How the River Formed
The valley where the Kerikeri River flows follows a fault line. A fault is like a big crack in the Earth's crust where rocks have moved. This fault is on the eastern side of Whaingaroa Harbour.
The river flows over very old rocks. Some of these rocks are called Coleman Conglomerate. Conglomerate is a type of rock made up of many different rounded pebbles and stones cemented together. Further down, the river flows over blue-grey Puti Siltstone. Siltstone is a rock made from fine mud and silt particles. Both these rock types formed about 150 million years ago, during a time known as the Puaroan age.
People and the River's Past
The Kerikeri River has been important to people living in the area for a long time. Around 1870, two brothers, Sam and Tom Wilson, used the river's power. They built a flax mill that was powered by a large wheel in the river. A flax mill processes New Zealand flax (a plant) to make fibers for ropes and other materials.
Later, between 1910 and 1920, much of the native bush around the river was cleared. This land was then used for farming. This change in land use had a big impact on the environment around the river.
Images for kids
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Rapids beside Ruakiwi Rd
