List of rivers of New Zealand facts for kids
New Zealand is an amazing country with lots of beautiful places, and one of the coolest things about it is its many rivers! These rivers are super important for the environment, for people, and for all sorts of activities. They flow through mountains, forests, and towns, eventually reaching the sea.
Contents
Discovering New Zealand's Rivers
New Zealand has thousands of rivers and streams. Some are long and powerful, while others are short and gentle. They all play a big part in shaping the landscape and supporting wildlife. Many rivers have both English and Māori names, showing the rich history and culture of the country. For example, the Avon River in Christchurch is also known as Ōtākaro.
Why Rivers are Important
Rivers are like the lifeblood of the land. They carry fresh water from mountains and hills down to the coast. This water is used for drinking, farming, and generating electricity. Rivers are also home to many different plants and animals, like native fish, eels, and birds. They are also popular spots for fun activities like fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
How Rivers are Formed
Most rivers start as tiny streams high up in the mountains or hills, often from melting snow or rainfall. These small streams join together, getting bigger and stronger as they flow downhill. They carve out valleys and canyons over thousands of years, creating the landscapes we see today.
Famous Rivers to Explore
While there are many rivers in New Zealand, some are very well-known:
- Waikato River: This is the longest river in New Zealand. It flows for about 425 kilometres (264 miles) through the North Island. It's important for power generation and provides water for many towns.
- Clutha River: Found in the South Island, this is New Zealand's largest river by the amount of water it carries. It's known for its fast flow and beautiful blue-green water.
- Whanganui River: This river in the North Island is special because it has its own legal identity, just like a person! It's very important to the Māori people.
- Rakaia River: Located in the South Island, this river is famous for its braided channels. This means it splits into many smaller streams that weave across a wide riverbed. It's a great spot for salmon fishing.
- Buller River: Also in the South Island, this river is known for its stunning gorges and is popular for white-water rafting and kayaking.
Protecting Our Rivers
Keeping our rivers clean and healthy is super important. Pollution from farms and towns can harm the water and the creatures living in it. Many groups and people in New Zealand are working hard to protect these amazing natural treasures for future generations. This includes planting trees along riverbanks, controlling pollution, and educating people about river health.
A List of Rivers in New Zealand
Here is an alphabetical list of rivers found across New Zealand. Many of these rivers are vital for local communities and wildlife.
- Aan River
- Acheron River (Canterbury)
- Acheron River (Marlborough)
- Ada River
- Adams River
- Ahaura River
- Ahuriri River
- Ahuroa River
- Akatarawa River
- Ākitio River
- Alexander River
- Alfred River
- Allen River
- Alma River
- Alph River (Ross Dependency)
- Anatoki River
- Anatori River
- Anaweka River
- Anne River
- Anti Crow River
- Aongatete River
- Aorangiwai River
- Aorere River
- Aparima River
- Arahura River
- Arapaoa River
- Araparera River
- Arawhata River
- Arnold River
- Arnst River
- Aropaoanui River
- Arrow River
- Arthur River
- Ashburton River / Hakatere
- Ashley River / Rakahuri
- Avoca River (Canterbury)
- Avoca River (Hawke's Bay)
- Avon River / Ōtākaro
- Avon River (Marlborough)
- Awakari River
- Awakino River (Canterbury) and its East and West branches
- Awakino River (Northland)
- Awakino River (Waikato)
- Awanui River
- Awapoko River
- Awapoto River
- Awarau River
- Awaroa River (Far North)
- Awaroa River (Kaipara)
- Awaroa River (Waikato River tributary)
- Awaroa River (Kawhia Harbour tributary)
- Awaroa River (Tasman)
- Awarua River (Northland)
- Awarua River (Southland)
- Awatere River
- Awatere River (Gisborne)
- Awhea River
- Balfour River
- Barlow River
- Barn River
- Barrier River
- Baton River
- Bealey River
- Beaumont River
- Beautiful River
- Bettne River
- Big River (Buller)
- Big River (Grey)
- Big River (Southland)
- Big River (Tasman)
- Big Wainihinihi Creek
- Blackwater River (Tasman)
- Blackwater River (Buller River tributary)
- Blackwater River (Little Grey River tributary)
- Blairich River
- Blind (Otūwhero) River
- Blue Duck River
- Blue Grey River
- Blue River
- Bluff River
- Blythe River
- Bonar River
- Boulder River
- Bowen River
- Boyle River
- Branch River (Taylor River tributary)
- Branch River (Wairau River tributary)
- Broken River
- Brown Grey River
- Brown River (Marlborough)
- Brown River (Tasman)
- Brown River (West Coast)
- Buller River
- Burke River
- Butler River
- Callery River
- Cam River (Marlborough)
- Cam River
- Camelot River
- Cameron River
- Cape River
- Caples River
- Cardrona River
- Careys Creek
- Carrick River
- Cascade River
- Cass River (Mackenzie District)
- Cass River (Selwyn District)
- Castaly River
- Castle River (Marlborough)
- Castle River (Southland)
- Castle River (Wellington)
- Catlins River
- Cavendish River
- Charwell River
- Chatterton River
- Christopher River
- Clark River
- Clarke River (Grey District)
- Clarke River (Tasman)
- Clarke River (Westland District)
- Clearwater River
- Cleddau River
- Clinton River
- Clive River
- Clutha River
- Clyde River
- Coal River (Canterbury)
- Coal River (Fiordland)
- Cobb River
- Collins River
- Conway River
- Cook River / Weheka
- Copland River
- Cox River
- Crooked River
- Cropp River
- Crow River (Canterbury)
- Crow River (West Coast)
- Cust River
- D'Urville River
- Dane River
- Dark River
- Dart River / Te Awa Whakatipu
- Dart River (Tasman)
- Deception River
- Deepdale River
- Devil River
- Dickson River
- Dillon River
- Dobson River
- Donald River (Hawke's Bay)
- Donald River (West Coast)
- Donne River
- Doon River
- Doubtful River
- Doubtless River
- Douglas River
- Dove River (Canterbury)
- Dove River (Tasman)
- Drake River
- Dry Awarua River
- Dry River (Tasman)
- Dry River (New Zealand)
- Duncan River
- Earnscleugh River
- Eastern Hohonu River
- Eastern Hutt River
- Eastern Waiotauru River
- Edison River
- Edith River
- Edwards River (Mid Canterbury)
- Edwards River (North Canterbury)
- Eglinton River
- Electric River
- Elizabeth River
- Ellis River
- Empson River
- Esk River (Canterbury)
- Esk River (Hawke's Bay)
- Esperance River
- Evans River
- Eyre River
- Fairhall River
- Falls River
- Fish River
- Flaxbourne River
- Fleming River
- Forbes River
- Forgotten River
- Fork Stream
- Four Mile River
- Fox River (Buller)
- Fox River (Westland)
- Frances River
- Freshwater River
- Fyfe River
- Garry River
- Gelt River
- George River
- Glaisnock River
- Glencoe River
- Glenrae River
- Glenroy River
- Glentui River
- Gloster River
- Godley River
- Goldney River
- Gorge River
- Goulter River
- Graham River
- Grantham River
- Gray River
- Grays River
- Grebe River
- Greenstone River
- Greenstone River / Hokonui
- Greta River
- Grey River / Māwheranui
- Guide River
- Gulliver River
- Gunn River
- Gunner River
- Haast River
- Hacket River
- Hae Hae Te Moana River
- Hakaru River
- Hakataramea River
- Hall River
- Halswell River
- Hamilton River
- Hangaroa River
- Hangatahua (Stony) River, Taranaki
- Hanmer River
- Haparapara River
- Hapuawai River
- Hapuka River
- Hāpuku River
- Harman River
- Harper River
- Harrison River
- Hātea River
- Haumi River
- Haupiri River
- Hautapu River (Manawatū-Whanganui)
- Hautapu River (Wairoa District)
- Havelock River
- Hawai River
- Hawdon River
- Hāwea River
- Hawkins River
- Hay River
- Heaphy River
- Hector River
- Hemphill River
- Henry River
- Herekino River
- Heron River
- Hewson River
- Hikurangi River
- Hikurua River
- Hikutaia River
- Hikuwai River
- Hinatua River
- Hinds River
- Hinemaiaia River
- Hinemoatū / Howard River
- Hodder River
- Hokitika River
- Hollyford River / Whakatipu Kā Tuka
- Hook River
- Hooker River
- Hookhamsnyvy Creek
- Hope River (Canterbury)
- Hope River (Tasman)
- Hope River (West Coast)
- Hopkins River
- Horahora River
- Horomanga River
- Hororata River
- Hossack River
- Hōteo River
- Huangarua River
- Huia River
- Hunter River
- Huriwai River
- Hurunui River
- Hurunui River South Branch
- Huxley River
- Ihungia River
- Ihuraua River
- Inangahua River
- Irene River
- Irwell River
- Jackson River
- Jed River
- Jerry River
- Joe River
- Joes River
- John o'Groats River
- Johnson River
- Jollie River
- Jordan River
- Juno River
- Kaeo River
- Kahurangi River
- Kahutara River
- Kaiapoi River
- Kaihu River
- Kaiikanui River
- Kaikou River
- Kaimarama River
- Kaipara River
- Kaipo River
- Kaituna River (Bay of Plenty)
- Kaituna River (Canterbury)
- Kaituna River (Marlborough)
- Kaituna River (Tasman)
- Kaiwaka River
- Kaiwakawaka River
- Kaiwara River
- Kaiwharawhara Stream
- Kaiwhata River
- Kaka River
- Kakanui River
- Kakapo River
- Kākāpōtahi River / Little Waitaha River
- Kaniere River
- Kapowai River
- Karakatuwhero River
- Karamea River
- Karangarua River
- Karetu River (Canterbury)
- Karetu River (Northland)
- Karukaru River
- Katikara River
- Kauaeranga River
- Kaukapakapa River
- Kauru River
- Kawakawa River
- Kawarau River
- Kawhatau River
- Kedron River
- Kekerengu River
- Kenana River
- Kennet River
- Kereu River
- Kerikeri River (Northland)
- Kerikeri River (Waikato)
- Kitchener River
- Kiwi River
- Kohaihai River
- Kokatahi River
- Komata River
- Kopeka River
- Kopuapounamu River
- Kopuaranga River
- Koranga River
- Korimako Stream
- Kowai River
- Kowhai River
- Kuaotunu River
- Kumengamatea River
- Kumeu River
- Kuratau River
- Kurow River
- L II River
- Lambert River
- Landsborough River
- Lawrence River
- Leader River
- Leatham River
- Lee River (Canterbury)
- Lee River (Tasman)
- Leslie River
- Lewis River (Canterbury)
- Lewis River (West Coast)
- Light River
- Lilburne River
- Lindis River
- Little Akatarawa River
- Little Awakino River
- Little Boulder River
- Little Crow River
- Little Devil River
- Little Hohonu River
- Little Hope River
- Little Kowai River
- Little Lottery River
- Little Ōnahau River
- Little Opawa River
- Little Pokororo River
- Little Pomahaka River
- Little River
- Little Slate River
- Little Totara River
- Little Waingaro River
- Little Wanganui River
- Lochy River
- Lord River
- Lords River
- Lottery River
- Lud River
- Lyvia River
- Macaulay River
- Macfarlane River
- Mackenzie River
- Maclennan River
- Maerewhenua River
- Mahakirau River
- Mahitahi River
- Mahurangi River
- Maitai River
- Makahu River
- Mākākahi River
- Makara River (Chatham Islands)
- Mākara River (Wellington)
- Makarau River
- Makaretu River
- Makarewa River
- Makarora River
- Makaroro River
- Makatote River
- Jacobs River
- Makerikeri River
- Makikihi River
- Makino River
- Makotuku River
- Makuri River
- Manaia River
- Manakaiaua River
- Manawapou River
- Manawatū River
- Mandamus River
- Mangaaruhe River
- Mangahao River
- Mangahauini River
- Mangaheia River
- Mangakahia River
- Mangakarengorengo River
- Mangakuri River
- Mangamaire River
- Mangamuka River
- Manganui River (Northland)
- Manganui River (Taranaki)
- Manganui River (Waikato)
- Manganuiohou River
- Manganuioteao River
- Mangaone River (Hawke's Bay)
- Mangaone River (Manawatū-Whanganui)
- Mangaoparo River
- Mangaorino River
- Mangaotaki River
- Mangapa River
- Mangapai River
- Mangapapa River (Bay of Plenty)
- Mangapapa River (Manawatū-Whanganui)
- Mangapehi River
- Mangapoike River
- Mangapu River
- Mangaroa River
- Mangatainoka River
- Mangatāwhiri River
- Mangatera River
- Mangatete River
- Mangatewai River
- Mangatewainui River
- Mangatokerau River
- Mangatoro River
- Mangatu River
- Mangaturuturu River
- Mangawai River
- Mangawharariki River
- Mangawhero River
- Māngere River
- Mangles River
- Mangonuiowae River
- Mangorewa River
- Manuherikia River
- Maori River
- Maraehara River
- Maraekakaho River
- Maraetaha River
- Maraetotara River
- Mārahau River
- Maramarua River
- Maramataha River
- Mararoa River
- Marchburn River
- Marokopa River
- Maropea River
- Martyr River
- Maruia River
- Mason River
- Mata River
- Matahaka River
Mataikona River
- Matakana River
- Matakitaki River
- Matakohe River
- Mataroa River
- Mataura River
- Mathias River
- Matiri River
- Matukituki River
- Maungakōtukutuku Stream
- Little Grey River
- McRae River
- Meola Creek
- Medina River
- Medway River
- Mike River
- Mikonui River
- Mimi River
- Miner River
- Mingha River
- Mistake River
- Misty River
- Moawhango River
- Moawhango West River
- Moeangiangi River
- Moeraki River
- Moerangi River
- Mohaka River
- Mōhakatino River
- Mokau River
- Mōkihinui River
- Mokomokonui River
- Mokoreta River
- Monowai River
- Montgomerie River
- Morgan River
- Morse River
- Motatapu River
- Mōtū River
- Motueka River
- Motukaika River
- Motunau River
- Motupiko River
- Motupipi River
- Motuti River
- Moutere River
- Mowbray River
- Mueller River
- Mungo River
- Murchison River
- Murray River
- Namu River
- Nancy River
- Nevis River
- Newton River (Buller River tributary)
- Newton River (Fiordland)
- Newtown River
- New River / Kaimata
- Ngākawau River
- Ngamuwahine River
- Ngaruroro River
- Ngatau River
- Ngatiawa River
- Ngunguru River
- Nina River
- Nokomai River
- North Barlow River
- North Mathias River
- North Ōhau River, Canterbury
- North Ōhau River, Wellington
- North Opuha River
- North River
- Nūhaka River
- Nukuhou River
- Oakura River
- Ōamaru River
- Oaro River
- Ōhau River (Canterbury)
- Ōhau River (Manawatū-Whanganui)
- Ohikaiti River
- Ohikanui River
- Ōhinemahuta River
- Ohinemaka River
- Ohinemuri River
- Ohinetamatea River
- Ōhura River
- Ohuri River
- Okana River
- Okaramio River
- Okari River
- Ōkārito River
- Okuku River
- Okura River
- Okuru River
- Okuti River
- Old Bed Eyre River
- Old Bed of Waipawa River
- Olivine River
- Omaha River
- Omaka River
- Omanaia River
- Omanawa River
- Omaru River
- Omaumau River
- Ōmoeroa River
- Onaero River
- Ōnahau River
- Onekaka River
- Oneone River
- Ongarue River
- Onyx River (Ross Dependency)
- Ōpaoa River
- Ōpārara River
- Oparau River
- Opatu River
- Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River
- Ōpihi River
- Opitonui River
- Opotoru River
- Opouawe River
- Opouri River
- Opouteke River
- Opuha River
- Opuiaki River
- Ōpūrehu River
- Orangipuku River
- Orari River
- Orauea River
- Ōrere River
- Ōreti River
- Ōrewa River
- Orikaka River
- Orira River
- Ōrongorongo River
- Oroua River
- Orowaiti River
- Oruaiti River
- Oruawharo River
- Oruru River
- Orutua River
- Otahu River
- Otaio River
- Ōtaki River
- Otama River
- Otamatapaio River
- Otamatea River (Hawke's Bay)
- Otamatea River (Northland)
- Ōtara River
- Otaua River
- Otehake River
- Otekaieke River
- Otematata River
- Ōtere River
- Oterei River
- Otiake River
- Ōtira River
- Ōtoko River
- Otorehinaiti River
- Otto River
- Otututu / Rough River
- Otūwhero River
- Ounuora River
- Ourauwhare River
- Owahanga River
- Ōwaka River
- Owen River
- Pahaoa River
- Pahau River
- Pahi River
- Pairatahi River
- Pakarae River
- Pakiri River
- Pakoka River
- Pakowhai River
- Pākuratahi River
- Pandora River
- Papakanui River
- Paranui River
- Parapara River
- Pareora River
- Paringa River
- Pariwhakaoho River
- Park River
- Pataua River
- Pātea River
- Paturau River
- Patutahi River
- Pearse River
- Pearson River
- Penk River
- Percival River
- Peria River
- Perth River
- Perunui River
- Phantom River
- Piako River
- Pitt River
- Pleasant River
- Poerua River (Grey District)
- Poerua River (Westland District)
- Pohangina River
- Pohuenui River
- Pokororo River
- Pomahaka River
- Pongaroa River
- Pōrangahau River
- Poroporo River
- Pororari River
- Porter River
- Postal River
- Potts River
- Pouawa River
- Poulter River
- Pourakino River
- Pourangaki River
- Price River (New Zealand)
- Pūerua River
- Puhi Puhi River
- Puhoi River
- Pukaki River
- Pūkio Stream
- Punakaiki River
- Punakitere River
- Pungapunga River
- Puniu River
- Pupuke River
- Purakaunui River
- Purangi River
- Puremāhaia River
- Puriri River
- Pyke River
- Racehorse River
- Rahu River
- Rai River
- Rainbow River
- Rainy River (Marlborough)
- Rainy River (Tasman)
- Rakaia River
- Rakeahua River
- Rangiora River
- Rangitaiki River
- Rangitane River
- Rangitata River
- Rangitīkei River
- Rappahannock River
- Raukokore River
- Rea River
- Red Pyke River
- Red River
- Rees River
- Reikorangi Stream
- Rerewhakaaitu River
- Retaruke River
- Ripia River
- Riuwaka River
- Roaring Lion River
- Robertson River
- Robinson River
- Rocky River
- Roding River
- Rogerson River
- Rolleston River
- Rolling River
- Ronga River
- Rooney River
- Rotokakahi River
- Rotokino River
- Rotowhenua River
- Ruakākā River
- Ruakituri River
- Ruakokoputuna River
- Ruamahanga River
- Rubicon River
- Ruera River
- Rum River
- Ryton River
- Sabine River
- Saxon River
- Saxton River
- Seaforth River
- Seaward River
- Selwyn River / Waikirikiri
- Serpentine River
- Severn River
- Shag River (Fiordland)
- Shenandoah River
- Sheriff River/Station Creek
- Sherry River
- Shin River
- Shotover River
- Sinclair River
- Skeet River
- Slate River
- Smite River
- Smoothwater River
- Smyth River
- Snow River
- Snowy River
- South Mathias River
- South Ohau River, Canterbury
- South Ohau River, Wellington
- South Opuha River
- Southern Waiotauru River
- Spey River (Southland)
- Spey River (Tasman)
- Spoon River
- Spray River
- Stafford River
- Stanley River (Canterbury)
- Stanley River (Tasman)
- Stanton River
- Stillwater River
- Stony River
- Stour River
- Strauchon River
- Styx Creek
- Styx River (Canterbury)
- Styx River (North Canterbury)
- Styx River (West Coast)
- Swift River
- Swin Burn
- Swin River
- Tadmor River
- Tahaenui River
- Tahakopa River
- Taharua River
- Taheke River
- Tahekeroa River
- Tahoranui River
- Taieri River
- Taiharuru River
- Taihiki River
- Taipa River
- Taipō River (Buller District)
- Taipo River (Westland District)
- Taipoiti River
- Tairua River
- Takahue River
- Tākaka River
- Takaputahi River
- Takiritawai River
- Takou River
- Talbot River
- Tāmaki River
- Tamaki River (Manawatū-Whanganui)
- Tangahoe River
- Tāngarākau River
- Tapu River
- Tapuaeroa River
- Tapuwae River
- Taramakau River
- Tarawera River
- Taringamotu River
- Taruarau River
- Taruheru River
- Tasman River
- Tass River
- Tauanui River
- Tauherenikau River
- Tauhoa River
- Taumona River
- Tauranga River
- Tauranga Taupō River
- Taurangakautuku River
- Tauraroa River
- Tautuku River
- Tauweru River
- Tawapuku River
- Tawarau River
- Tawatahi River
- Taylor River
- Te Arai River
- Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River
- Te Hoe River
- Te Hoiere / Pelorus River
- Te Kapa River
- Te Kauparenui / Gowan River
- Te Mata River
- Te Naihi River
- Te Putaaraukai River
- Te Rahotaiepa River
- Te Wai-o-Pareira / Henderson Creek
- Te Wharau River
- Teal River
- Tekapo River
- Teme River
- Temuka River
- Tengawai River
- Teviot River
- Thomas River (Canterbury)
- Thomas River (West Coast)
- Thurso River
- Tīmaru River
- Tinline River
- Tinui River
- Tiraumea River (Manawatū-Whanganui)
- Tiraumea River (Tasman)
- Toaroha River
- Tohoratea River
- Toitoi River
- Tokanui River
- Tokomairaro River
- Tokomaru River
- Tolson River
- Tone River
- Tongapōrutu River
- Tongariro River
- Topuni River
- Tōrere River
- Torrent River
- Tōtara River (Buller District)
- Tōtara River (Westland District)
- Totarakaitorea River
- Townshend River
- Towy River
- Transit River
- Travers River
- Trent River
- Troyte River
- Tuamarina River
- Tuapeka River
- Tuke River
- Tukipo River
- Tukituki River
- Tummil River
- Tunakino River
- Turakina River
- Turanganui River (Gisborne)
- Turanganui River (Wellington)
- Turimawiwi River
- Turnbull River
- Tutaekuri River (Hawke's Bay)
- Tutaekuri River (Waiau River (Hawke's Bay) tributary)
- Tūtaekurī River (West Coast)
- Tutaki River
- Tūtoko River
- Tweed River
- Twizel River
- Uawa River
- Ugly River
- Upper Grey River
- Upukerora River
- Urenui River
- Utakura River
- Victoria River
- Von River
- Wahianoa River
- Wai-iti River
- Waianakarua River
- Waianiwaniwa River
- Waiapu River
- Waiariki River
- Waiaruhe River
- Waiatoto River
- Waiau River (Gisborne)
- Waiau River (Hawke's Bay)
- Waiau River (Southland)
- Waiau Toa / Clarence River
- Waiaua River (Bay of Plenty)
- Waiaua River (Taranaki)
- Waiau Uwha River
- Waihāhā River
- Waihao River
- Waiheke River
- Waihemo / Shag River
- Waihi River
- Waiho River
- Waihoihoi River
- Waihopai River (Marlborough)
- Waihopai River (Southland)
- Waihora River
- Waihou River
- Waihua River
- Waihuka River
- Waikaia River
- Waikākaho River
- Waikakariki River
- Waikamaka River
- Waikanae River
- Waikare River (Bay of Plenty)
- Waikare River (Northland)
- Waikaretāheke River
- Waikari River (Canterbury)
- Waikari River (Hawke's Bay)
- Waikato River
- Waikawa River
- Waikawau River (Thames-Coromandel District)
- Waikawau River (Waitomo District)
- Waikiti River
- Waikoau River
- Waikohu River
- Waikoropupu River
- Waikorure River
- Waikouaiti River
- Waikukupa River
- Waikura River (Raukokore River tributary)
- Waikura River (Hangaroa River tributary)
- Waima River
- Waimakariri River
- Waimamakau River
- Waimamaku River
- Waimana River
- Waimangarara River
- Waimangaroa River
- Waimarino River
- Waimata River
- Waimea River (Southland)
- Waimea River (Tasman)
- Waimeamea River
- Waingaro River (Tasman)
- Waingaro River (Waikato)
- Waingaromia River
- Waingawa River
- Waingongoro River
- Wainui River (Bay of Plenty)
- Wainui River (Manawatū-Whanganui)
- Wainui River (Northland)
- Wainui River (Tasman)
- Wainuiomata River
- Wainuiora River
- Wainuioru River
- Waioeka River
- Waiohine River
- Waiomoko River
- Waionepu River
- Waiorongomai River (Gisborne)
- Waiorongomai River (Wellington)
- Waiotahe River
- Waiotaka River
- Waiotama River
- Waiotauru River
- Waiotu River
- Waipā River
- Waipahi River
- Waipakihi River
- Waipaoa River
- Waipapa River (Bay of Plenty)
- Waipapa River (Northland)
- Waipapa River (Waikato)
- Waipati (Chaslands) River
- Waipara River (Canterbury)
- Waipara River (West Coast)
- Waipekakoura River
- Waipori River
- Waipoua River (Northland)
- Waipoua River (Wellington)
- Waipu River
- Waipunga River
- Wairahi River
- Wairakei River
- Wairaki River
- Wairau River
- Wairaurāhiri River
- Waireia River
- Wairere River
- Wairoa River (Auckland)
- Wairoa River (Bay of Plenty)
- Wairoa River (Hawke's Bay)
- Wairoa River (Northland)
- Wairoa River (Tasman)
- Wairongomai River
- Wairua River
- Waita River
- Waitaha River
- Waitahaia River
- Waitahanui River
- Waitahu River
- Waitāhuna River
- Waitakaruru River
- Waitakere (Nile) River
- Waitākere River
- Waitaki River
- Waitangi River (Far North District)
- Waitangi River (Whangarei District)
- Waitangiroto River
- Waitangitāhuna River
- Waitara River
- Waitatapia Stream
- Waitati River
- Waitawheta River
- Waitekauri River
- Waitekuri River
- Waitepeka River
- Waitetuna River
- Waitewaewae River
- Waitoa River
- Waitoetoe River
- Waitohi River
- Waitōtara River
- Waitutu River
- Waiuku River
- Waiwawa River
- Waiwera River (Auckland)
- Waiwera River (Otago)
- Waiwhakaiho River
- Waiwhango River
- Waiwhetū Stream
- Wakamarina River
- Wakapuaka River
- Walker River
- Wandle River
- Wanganui River
- Wangapeka River
- Wapiti River
- Warwick River
- Water of Leith
- Weiti River
- Wentworth River
- West Mathias River
- Western Hutt River
- Whakaikai River
- Whakaki River
- Whakanekeneke River
- Whakapapa River
- Whakapara River
- Whakapohai River
- Whakarapa River
- Whakatahine River
- Whakataki River
- Whakatāne River
- Whakatīkei River
- Whakaurekou River
- Whanaki River
- Whangae River
- Whangaehu River
- Whangamarino River
- Whangamaroro River
- Whangamoa River
- Whangamōmona River
- Whanganui River
- Whangaparāoa River
- Whareama River
- Whareatea River
- Wharehine River
- Wharekahika River
- Wharekawa River
- Wharekōpae River
- Wharemauku Stream
- Wharepapa River
- Whataroa River
- Whau River
- Whawanui River
- Wheao River
- Whenuakite River
- Whenuakura River
- Whirinaki River (Hawke's Bay)
- Whirinaki River (Northland)
- Whistler River
- Whitbourn River
- Whitcombe River
- White River
- White Rock River
- Whitestone River
- Whitewater River
- Wilberforce River
- Wild Natives River
- Wilkin River
- Wilkinson River
- Willberg River
- Williamson River
- Wills River
- Wilmot River
- Wilson River
- Windley River
- Windward River
- Winterton River
- Wolff River
- Woolley River
- Worsley Stream
- Wye River
- Yankee River
- Yarra River
- Young River
See also
- List of rivers of New Zealand by length
- List of rivers
- List of rivers of Oceania
- List of islands of New Zealand#In rivers and lakes
- List of lakes in New Zealand
- List of rivers of Wellington Region