Okura River facts for kids

The Okura River is a beautiful river located in the northern part of the Auckland Region in the North Island of New Zealand. It's a special place where the land meets the sea, and it's known for its changing waters and natural beauty.

Discover the Okura River

Where is the Okura River?

The Okura River starts in the low hills south of a town called Silverdale. From there, it flows all the way to Karepiro Bay, which is part of the big Hauraki Gulf. The Hauraki Gulf is a large body of water on the east coast of New Zealand.

What Makes the Okura River Unique?

One of the most interesting things about the Okura River is how much it changes with the tide. This means that when the tide is high, the river is wide and deep. But when the low tide comes, much of the water goes out, leaving only a narrow channel. This narrow channel is still deep enough for small boats to use.

Because of these big tide changes, the area is very popular for horse riding! Riders often wait until low tide. Then, they can safely cross the boating channel and ride their horses along the wide, sandy areas of the estuary and beaches on the northern side of the river. It's a unique way to explore the coastline.

Animals and Nature in Okura

The small village of Okura is located right on the southern bank of the river. This area is also home to important natural spaces. The Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve is a protected area that stretches from the Okura River all the way to the Weiti River. Marine reserves help protect the ocean and the creatures that live in it.

The sandy areas in Karepiro Bay, especially those above the high tide mark, are very important. They are special breeding grounds for a type of bird called the Dotterel. These birds are protected by the Department of Conservation (often called DOC). DOC works hard to look after New Zealand's natural and historical places.

Protecting the River's Health

It's very important to keep our rivers and natural areas healthy. Sometimes, activities like construction or development nearby can cause dirt and mud to wash into the river. When too much sediment (like dirt and mud) gets into the water, it can make it difficult for small creatures, such as shellfish, to live and grow.

Looking after the Okura River means making sure that human activities don't harm the delicate balance of nature. Protecting the river helps keep the water clean and safe for all the animals and plants that call it home, from tiny shellfish to the special Dotterel birds.