Pataua River facts for kids

The Pataua River is a special kind of river in New Zealand's North Island. It's known as a tidal river, which means its water level changes a lot with the ocean's tides. This river starts its journey east of Whangarei and flows towards the northeast. Finally, it reaches the huge Pacific Ocean at the southern part of Ngunguru Bay.

Discover the Pataua River

The Pataua River is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) long. It's not a very long river, but it plays an important role in its local area. The river's unique feature is how it connects to the ocean's tides.

Where is the Pataua River?

The Pataua River is located in the Northland Region of New Zealand. This region is at the very top of the North Island. The river starts near the city of Whangarei, which is a major center in Northland. From there, it makes its way to the coast.

What is a Tidal River?

A tidal river is a river where the water level and flow are strongly affected by the ocean's tides. When the tide comes in (high tide), ocean water pushes up the river, making it deeper. When the tide goes out (low tide), the river's water level drops. This constant change creates a unique environment for plants and animals living in and around the river.

Exploring Pataua North and South

At the mouth of the Pataua River, where it meets the Pacific Ocean, you'll find two small communities. These are called Pataua North and Pataua South. They are located on opposite sides of the river.

To connect these two settlements, there is a special footbridge. This bridge is only for people walking, not for cars. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy the views of the river and the surrounding area. The bridge makes it easy to explore both sides of the river mouth.