Mokau River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mokau River |
|
|---|---|
The Mokau river near the mouth
|
|
| Native name | Mokau |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Waikato |
| District | Waitomo |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pureora Forest |
| River mouth | North Taranaki Bight |
| Length | 158 kilometres (98 mi) |
The Mokau River is a river found in the North Island of New Zealand. It is known for its beautiful scenery and history.
Contents
About the Mokau River
Where Does the Mokau River Start?
The Mokau River begins as a spring. This spring is located in the Pureora Forest. This area is south of a town called Te Kuiti. It starts on the slopes of the Rangitoto Range.
How Long is the Mokau River?
At first, the river flows towards the north-west. Then, it turns and flows south-west. The Mokau River travels for about 158 kilometres (98 mi). It flows through the Waitomo District. Finally, it reaches the North Taranaki Bight at the town of Mokau.
A Look Back in Time
The mouth of the Mokau River has a large sandbar. This sandbar can make it hard for boats to enter. But during high tide, bigger boats could safely pass. They could travel up the river for about 37 kilometres (23 mi).
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the river was very busy. People used to cut down trees and mine for coal along its banks. This was a big industry back then. However, moving these goods down the river became too risky and expensive. Because of this, the logging and coal-mining businesses eventually stopped.
Fun Things to Do Today
Today, the Mokau River is a popular spot for fun activities. Many people enjoy whitebaiting here. Whitebaiting is a type of fishing for small, young fish. The river is also a great place for kayaking. People love to paddle along its waters.
