Leader River facts for kids

The Leader River is a river found in the Hurunui District of the Canterbury region. This area is located in New Zealand's South Island. The Leader River flows into the larger Waiau River. They meet near a place called Parnassus. Many smaller streams also join the Leader River, including the Hookhamsnyvy Creek.

The Leader River and the Railway

Around the 1910s, the New Zealand Railways Department had plans to build a railway line. This railway was meant to go through the Leader River's valley. It was part of a bigger project called the Main North Line. This line would connect the cities of Christchurch and the Marlborough region.

Between 1912 and 1914, about 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) of railway track were laid. This work started northwards from Parnassus, following the Leader River's valley. More ground was prepared for the railway, and construction began on a bridge over the Leader River.

However, World War I started, which stopped the railway construction. When work on the railway began again, a different path was chosen. This new path went eastwards from Parnassus. Even though the bridge was never finished, one of its piers (a strong support structure) can still be seen standing in the Leader River today. It's a reminder of the railway that was never completed.

Images for kids

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  Piers being built for the Leader River bridge, which was never finished.