Makarora River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Makarora River |
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The Makarora River flows into northern end of Lake Wānaka.
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Aspiring National Park |
| River mouth | Lake Wānaka 300 m (980 ft) |
| Length | 35 km (22 mi) |
The Makarora River is a beautiful river located in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Contents
Where Does the Makarora River Start and End?
The Makarora River begins high up in the mountains. Its source is in Mount Aspiring National Park. This park is on the eastern side of the Southern Alps. The river starts near a mountain pass called Haast Pass.
From there, the Makarora River flows south. It passes by a small town also named Makarora. Finally, the river empties into the northern part of Lake Wānaka.
What Can You Do on the Makarora River?
The Makarora River is a great place for fun activities. Many people enjoy fishing here. You can also go jetboating, which is a fast ride on the water. Kayaking is another popular way to explore the river.
Fish like rainbow trout and brown trout live in the river. These fish travel from Lake Wānaka up the river. They come to lay their eggs, mostly in autumn and winter.
What Happened with the Young River Landslide?
In September 2007, something interesting happened. A large landslide occurred in the valley of the Young River. The Young River is a smaller stream that flows into the Makarora River.
The landslide blocked the Young River. This created a brand new lake! This lake seems to be a permanent feature now.
Exploring the Makarora River Area
New Zealand State Highway 6 follows the Makarora River for most of its journey. This makes it easy to visit the area.
One very popular short walk leads to the "Blue Pools." This is where the Makarora River meets the Blue River. The water here is incredibly clear and blue.
If you want to stay overnight, Cameron Flat Campground is a good choice. It has a cooking shelter and bathrooms. It's located right off State Highway 6.
See also
In Spanish: Río Makarora para niños
