Taylor River (New Zealand) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Taylor River |
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The Taylor River in central Blenheim
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Taylor Pass |
| River mouth | Ōpaoa River |
| Length | 18 km (11 mi) |
The Taylor River is a cool river in New Zealand. It's one of two rivers that flow through a flat area called the Wairau Plain. This river eventually reaches the town of Blenheim, New Zealand, where it joins up with another river called the Ōpaoa River.
Discover the Taylor River
The Taylor River is an important waterway in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand. It helps shape the landscape and history of the area. It's about 18 kilometers (11 miles) long.
From Mountains to Town
The Taylor River begins its journey near a place called Taylor Pass. This pass is located south of the Wither Hills. From there, the river flows mostly north-east and then north. It makes its way across the Wairau Plain before reaching Blenheim.
The river and the pass were named after a person named Joseph Taylor. He was a surveyor who worked for the New Zealand Company. He explored and mapped this area back in 1842.
Why Blenheim Was Called "Beavertown"
When the town of Blenheim was first settled, and for many years after, the area often experienced floods. These floods usually happened in winter, especially where the Taylor River and the Ōpaoa River met.
Because of these floods, Blenheim earned the nickname "Beavertown." People thought the buildings in the town, when surrounded by floodwaters, looked a bit like beaver lodges. Beaver lodges are homes built by beavers in the water.
It's interesting because even though the town's mascot is a beaver, there have never been any real beavers in New Zealand. Beavers are actually considered a prohibited animal there, meaning they are not allowed to be brought into the country.
