Shag River / Waihemo facts for kids
The Shag River is a cool river in a place called Otago, which is on the South Island of New Zealand. In the Māori language, it's known as Waihemo. The river starts high up in the Kakanui Range mountains. It then flows southeast for about 50 kilometers (that's about 31 miles) until it reaches the big Pacific Ocean. You can find its mouth on the south side of Shag Point, near the town of Palmerston.
For many years, a railway line called the Dunback Branch followed the river's path. This railway ran from the 1880s until 1989. It connected to the main railway line near Shag Point township and went all the way to the town of Dunback.
Discover the Shag River
The Shag River is a small to medium-sized river. It's an important part of the local environment. However, it has faced some challenges over the years.
What is the Shag River Like?
Many willow trees grow along the banks of the Shag River. These trees can sometimes make the river overgrown. Also, during the warm summer months, the river's water level can become much lower. This means there isn't as much water flowing in the river.
How Farming Affects the River
Over the past few decades, farming in the area has had an impact on the Shag River. The way land is used for farming can sometimes affect the health of rivers. People are working to find ways to help the river stay healthy.
