Ohikanui River facts for kids
| Country | New Zealand |
|---|---|
Quick facts for kids Physical characteristics |
|
| River mouth | Buller River |
| Length | 20 kilometres (12 mi) |
The Ohikanui River is a river in New Zealand's South Island. It is a "tributary," which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Ohikanui River flows into the Buller River.
It travels north for about 20 kilometres (12 miles). It joins the Buller River about 14 kilometres (9 miles) before the Buller River reaches the Tasman Sea. The Ohikanui River and its smaller neighbour, the Ohikaiti River, are sometimes called the Big Ohika River and Little Ohika River.
Contents
Discover the Ohikanui River
Where is the Ohikanui River?
The Ohikanui River is located on the South Island of New Zealand. It starts its journey and flows north. Its waters eventually join the larger Buller River.
The Buller River then carries these waters all the way to the Tasman Sea. This makes the Ohikanui River an important part of the local water system.
What Does "Ohikanui" Mean?
The name Ōhikanui has a special meaning. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage explains it. It means "place of large incantations."
An incantation is like a special chant or a magical spell. This name gives us a hint about the history and culture of the area.
Exploring the Ohikanui River
The Ohikanui River has a riverbed filled with large, smooth rocks. Its water is very clear and flows quickly. The river runs through a special place called the Paparoa wilderness area.
This wilderness area is very natural and untouched. There are no marked walking tracks or huts for people to stay in. This makes it a truly wild place.
Many people enjoy visiting this area because of its beautiful nature. It is popular with "trampers," which is what New Zealanders call hikers. People also come here to fish for trout or to hunt deer.
