Lewis River (Canterbury) facts for kids
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The Lewis River is a river found in the Canterbury area of New Zealand. It flows through a valley that leads up to the famous Lewis Pass. This means the river runs right next to State Highway 7, making it easy to spot if you are driving by. The Lewis River eventually joins the Boyle River. Another river, the Nina River, also flows into the Lewis River a bit before it meets the Boyle River.
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Where is the Lewis River Located?
The Lewis River is in the beautiful Canterbury part of New Zealand's South Island. Its valley is like a natural path that leads to the Lewis Pass. This pass is an important route through the mountains. Because of its location, the river flows very close to State Highway 7. This highway is a main road that connects different parts of the region.
River Connections and Flow
The Lewis River is not alone; it is part of a bigger river system. It flows into the Boyle River, which is a larger waterway. Before joining the Boyle River, the Lewis River also gets water from the Nina River. The Nina River meets the Lewis River just a few kilometers upstream from where the Lewis River meets the Boyle River.
How Did the Lewis River Get Its Name?
The Lewis River got its name from a person named Henry Lewis. He was a surveyor, which means he was someone who measured and mapped land. In 1860, Henry Lewis and his friend Christopher Maling discovered the Lewis Pass. The river was named after Henry Lewis because of his important discovery.
The Naming by Julius von Haast
Later in 1860, another explorer named Julius von Haast explored the area. He was the one who officially named the river "Lewis River" during his own trip. Interestingly, Julius von Haast later became related to Henry Lewis. In 1866, von Haast married Henry Lewis's daughter's sister. This made them family!
Is the River's Name Official?
Even though the river has been called the Lewis River for a long time, its name is actually "not official" according to Land Information New Zealand. This means that the New Zealand Geographic Board has not yet formally confirmed the name. It's a bit like a nickname that everyone uses, but it hasn't been made official yet.
