Pearse River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pearse River |
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![]() The Pearse resurgence, where water exits from Nettlebed Cave
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Country | New Zealand |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Arthur Range |
River mouth | Motueka River |
Length | 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) |
The Pearse River is a cool river found in the Tasman Region of New Zealand's South Island. It starts high up in the Arthur Range and flows towards the east. After traveling about 13 kilometers (8 miles), it joins the Motueka River. This meeting point is about 20 kilometers southwest of a town called Motueka.
The River's Amazing Start
The Pearse River has a really special beginning! It doesn't start from tiny trickles of water like many rivers. Instead, it bursts out from a place called a resurgence. Think of it like a giant underground spring where water that has flowed through caves comes out into the open.
This amazing resurgence is very close to a famous place called Nettlebed Cave. Nettlebed Cave is one of the deepest caves in New Zealand. Water from inside this huge cave system flows out to form the Pearse River.
Deep Dives and Hidden Life
Because the Pearse River's source is so unique, brave divers have explored it. They have dived deep into the resurgence, reaching incredible depths of up to 194 meters (about 636 feet)! That's like diving almost two football fields straight down!
These deep dives have led to exciting discoveries. Divers have found at least three types of animals that scientists had never seen before! These creatures live in the dark, hidden waters of the resurgence. It shows how much more there is to learn about our planet's secret places.