List of rivers of New Zealand by length facts for kids
New Zealand is a beautiful country with many rivers flowing through its two main islands: the North Island (NI) and the South Island (SI). Rivers are important for many reasons, like providing water for people and farms, and being home to lots of wildlife. They also offer great places for activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating.
This article lists some of New Zealand's longest rivers, starting with the very longest ones. You'll see which island each river is on and how long it is in kilometres and miles.
Contents
New Zealand's 20 Longest Rivers
Here's a list of the twenty longest rivers in New Zealand. The Waikato River on the North Island is the longest of them all!
| Rank | Name | Island | Length (km) | Length (mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waikato | North | 425 | 264 |
| 2 | Clutha / Mata-Au | South | 322 | 200 |
| 3 | Whanganui | North | 290 | 180 |
| 4 | Taieri | South | 288 | 179 |
| 5 | Rangitīkei | North | 241 | 150 |
| 6 | Mataura | South | 240 | 149 |
| 7 | Waiau (Southland) | South | 217 | 135 |
| 8= | Waiau Toa / Clarence | South | 209 | 130 |
| 8= | Waitaki | South | 209 | 130 |
| 10 | Ōreti | South | 203 | 126 |
| 11 | Rangitaiki | North | 193 | 120 |
| 12 | Manawatū | North | 182 | 113 |
| 13 | Buller / Kawatiri | South | 177 | 110 |
| 14 | Waihou | North | 175 | 109 |
| 15 | Mohaka | North | 172 | 107 |
| 16= | Waiau Uwha | South | 169 | 105 |
| 16= | Wairau | South | 169 | 105 |
| 18= | Whangaehu | North | 161 | 100 |
| 18= | Waimakariri | South | 161 | 100 |
| 20 | Mōkau | North | 158 | 98 |
Other Important Rivers
Besides the top 20, many other rivers in New Zealand are also quite long and important. Here are some that are over 100 kilometres (62 miles) long.
Rivers Over 100 Kilometres
- Ngaruroro River (NI) - 154 km (96 mi)
- Mōtū River (NI) - 147 km (91 mi)
- Rakaia River (SI) - 145 km (90 mi)
- Pātea River (NI) - 143 km (89 mi)
- Hurunui River (SI) - 138 km (86 mi)
- Turakina River (NI) - 137 km (85 mi)
- Wairoa River (Bay of Plenty) (NI) - 137 km (85 mi)
- Wairoa River (Northland) (NI) - 132 km (82 mi)
- Awatere River (SI) - 126 km (78 mi)
- Ruamahanga River (NI) - 124 km (77 mi)
- Grey River or Mawhera River (SI) - 121 km (75 mi)
- Rangitata River (SI) - 120 km (74 mi)
- Tukituki River (NI) - 119 km (74 mi)
- Motueka River (SI) - 116 km (72 mi)
- Waitaki River (SI) - 111 km (69 mi)
- Aparima River (SI) - 102 km (63 mi)
Shortest Rivers
While many rivers are very long, New Zealand also has some very short rivers. These might not be as famous, but they are still part of the country's amazing natural landscape.
- Awaroa River (Far North) (Northland) – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Awaroa River (Waikato River tributary) – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Tawatahi River (Waikato) – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Tūranganui River (Gisborne) – 0.9 km (0.56 mi)
See also
