Mōkihinui River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mōkihinui River |
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Mōkihinui River by the Rough n' Tumble Bush Lodge
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Tasman Sea 0 m (0 ft) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 670.36 km2 (258.83 sq mi) |
The Mōkihinui River is a beautiful river located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It flows about 40 kilometres north of a town called Westport.
In 2007, there was a plan for a big power project called the Mokihinui Hydro on the river, but it was stopped in May 2012. Later, in 2019, a large part of the river's area, including 15 kilometres of its bed, was added to the amazing Kahurangi National Park.
The name Mōkihinui means "large flax-stalk raft" in the Māori language. Since 2019, the official name of the river has been spelled with a special mark called a macron over the 'o' to show how it should be pronounced.
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River's Journey
The Mōkihinui River starts high up in the Glasgow Range mountains. It then flows all the way to the Tasman Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean.
There aren't many people living right next to the river. You'll find small places like Mokihinui and Summerlea near where the river meets the sea. A little further up the river is Seddonville.
Just before the river ends its journey, State Highway 67 crosses it outside Mokihinui. In the wild, rugged area behind Seddonville, the river splits into two main parts: the north branch and the south branch. This whole area is a large, untouched forest basin.
Local Culture
The Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Waewae tribes are the traditional guardians, known as manawhenua, of the land around the Mōkihinui River. They have a deep connection to this special place.
Fun Activities
The Mōkihinui River area is a great spot for outdoor adventures!
Tramping and Biking
A popular walking and biking trail called the Old Ghost Road follows the south side of the river. This track gives people a way to explore and enjoy the beautiful Kahurangi National Park.
Whitewater Adventures
The river is also popular for exciting whitewater activities like rafting and kayaking. There's a three-hour section of "Grade III" water downstream from where the north and south branches meet. Grade III means the rapids are exciting but manageable for experienced paddlers. The best time to go is when the river level is between 1.0 and 1.5 metres.
River's Railway Past
For many years, a railway line called the Seddonville Branch followed the Mōkihinui River near its mouth. This railway was used to transport goods and people.
Interestingly, the New Zealand Railways Department used two old steam locomotives to help protect the riverbanks from washing away. They placed these old engines along the river between Seddonville and Mokihinui Mine. The first one, WB 292, was placed there in 1958, and another one, WB 299, followed in 1960. Both of these historic locomotives were later rescued from the river in 1989 and are now being carefully restored.
