Ohinemuri River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohinemuri River |
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Ohinemuri River at Karangahake
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Coromandel Range |
| River mouth | Waihou River |
| Length | 28 km (17 mi) |
The Ohinemuri River is a river in the northern part of New Zealand's North Island. It flows near the bottom of the Coromandel Peninsula.
The river starts north-east of the town of Waihi. It flows west, even though it begins close to the Bay of Plenty. The Ohinemuri River travels through the amazing Karangahake Gorge. This gorge creates a natural gap between the Coromandel Range and the Kaimai Range. After flowing for about 28 kilometers (17 miles), the river joins the Waihou River. This meeting point is near the town of Paeroa. The Waihou River then flows into the Firth of Thames.
The River's Journey
The Ohinemuri River gets its water from several smaller streams. These streams are called tributaries. They join the main river along its path.
- The Mangatoetoe Stream flows right through the town of Waihi.
- The Waitete Stream starts in the Coromandel Range. It forms a natural edge on the north-west side of Waihi.
- The Waitekauri River comes from deep inside the Coromandel ranges. It flows near the old Komata goldfields.
- The Taieri Stream flows past the beautiful Owharoa Falls. These falls are a popular spot to visit.
- The Waitawheta River flows from the Kaimai Ranges. It goes through the Waitawheta Gorge before joining the Ohinemuri River at Karangahake.
Exploring the River
It's easy to visit and see the Ohinemuri River. Many places offer great views and activities.
- In Paeroa, you can see the river from the Criterion Bridge. This is at the south end of the town.
- State Highway 2 follows the river through the Karangahake Gorge. This road connects Paeroa and Waihi.
- The Karangahake Gorge Walkway is a popular path. The Hauraki Rail Trail and the Goldfields Railway also follow parts of the river.
- At Karangahake, there's a car park and picnic area. This is a great place to access the river and enjoy the scenery.
Gold Mining History
The Ohinemuri River area was once very important for gold mining. You can still see signs of this history today.
- In the Karangahake Gorge, you can see what's left of the Crown and Talisman gold mines. These are visible from the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway.
- At Waikino, the Victoria Battery site is now a public park. This was once a large gold processing plant. A railway line used to follow the river's south bank to Waihi. This old railway path is now part of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Old River Towns
Several old towns grew up along the Ohinemuri River because of the gold mining. Some of these towns are still around today.
- Mackaytown is still there, but it's much smaller than it used to be.
- Karangahake is at the western end of the Karangahake Gorge Walkway.
- Owharoa is a "ghost town" about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) west of Waikino. Not many people live there anymore.
- Waikino is still a small town. It's at the eastern end of the Karangahake Gorge Walkway. It's also the western end of the Goldfields Railway.
