Omanawa River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Omanawa River |
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Wairoa River |
| Length | 25 km (16 mi) |
The Omanawa River is a beautiful river located in the Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand's North Island. It's a natural wonder that flows through interesting landscapes.
Contents
Discover the Omanawa River
The Omanawa River is an important part of the Bay of Plenty's natural environment. It flows for about 25 km (16 mi) before joining a larger river.
What Does the Name Mean?
The name Ōmanawa has a special meaning. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage explains that it means "place of Manawa." This often refers to a person's name or a significant place.
Journey of the River
The Omanawa River starts its journey from the northern edge of the Mamaku Plateau. It flows north, making its way through a valley. This river is a "tributary," which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. In this case, it flows into the Wairoa River.
The river then enters a narrow gorge. This gorge is about 122 m (400 ft) long. Inside the gorge, the water rushes quickly in a series of "rapids." Rapids are parts of a river where the water flows very fast over rocks.
The Amazing Omanawa Falls
One of the most exciting parts of the Omanawa River is the Omanawa Falls. About 11.3 km (7.0 mi) before it meets the Wairoa River, the Omanawa River drops a huge 35 m (115 ft) over these falls.
At the bottom of the falls, there's a large, deep pool. This pool is about 100 m (330 ft) wide. Behind the falls, the river has carved out a huge cave over many years. It's a truly impressive sight!
Power from the River
Next to the Omanawa Falls, you can find the Omanawa Falls Power Station. This power station uses the river's water to create electricity. Water is sent around the falls through special channels to power the station. This is a way to use the river's energy for people.
Joining Another River
The Omanawa River eventually joins the Wairoa River. This meeting point, called a "confluence," is about 9.7 km (6.0 mi) from the Wairoa River's mouth. It's also about 10 km (6.2 mi) southwest of the city of Tauranga.
