Travers River facts for kids
The Travers River is a beautiful river found in the South Island of New Zealand. It flows through the amazing Nelson Lakes National Park, which is a protected area known for its stunning nature. This river is a popular spot for people who love to explore the outdoors, especially hikers.
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Exploring the Travers River Valley
The valley where the Travers River flows is a favorite place for trampers, which is what New Zealanders call hikers. It's part of a famous hiking route called the Travers-Sabine circuit. This long trail follows a big part of the river. Hikers usually start their journey from Kerr Bay, near a town called Saint Arnaud. After walking along the Travers River, they cross a high point called the Travers Saddle, which is 1,787 meters (about 5,863 feet) high! From there, they go down into the valley of the Sabine River.
Where the River Flows
The Travers River eventually flows into Lake Rotoiti, a lovely lake in the park. Because the river is quite small and has many rocky waterfalls, boats cannot travel on it. It's not a navigable waterway.
Nature Around the River
As you travel along the Travers River, you'll see different types of nature.
- Lower River: Closer to the lake, the river flows through open areas covered in tussock grass. Early European settlers used to burn and graze animals here.
- Further Upstream: As you go higher up the river, you'll find untouched beech forests. These forests are full of native trees and plants.
- Upper Reaches: Even higher up, above the main tree line, the river flows through subalpine scrub. This is a type of tough, low-growing plant life that can survive in the colder, windier conditions of the mountains.
Huts for Hikers
The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) helps people enjoy the outdoors safely. They maintain several mountain huts and shelters along the Travers Valley and in the nearby mountains. These huts provide a place for hikers to rest and sleep.
- Lake Head Hut
- Coldwater Hut
- Angelus Hut
- Hopeless Hut
- Cupola Basin Hut
- John Tait Hut
- Upper Travers Hut
You can get more information about these huts and the hiking trails from the DOC Visitors Centre in Saint Arnaud.
