Tōtara River (Buller District) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tōtara River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Paparoa Range 975 metres (3,199 ft) |
| River mouth | Tasman Sea 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 18 km (11 mi) |
The Tōtara River is a cool river found in the northern part of New Zealand's West Coast Region on the South Island. It starts high up in the mountains and flows all the way to the ocean. Rivers like the Tōtara are super important for the environment and the land around them.
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The Tōtara River's Journey
The Tōtara River begins its journey in a mountain range called the Paparoa Range. This range is a series of tall mountains. The river starts near a peak known as Mount Kelvin. When we say a river "rises" or "starts" somewhere, it means that's where its water first collects, often from rain or melting snow.
Where the River Begins
The very beginning of the Tōtara River is quite high up, at about 975 meters (which is roughly 3,199 feet) above sea level. Imagine starting your journey from the top of a very tall building! This high starting point gives the river lots of energy as it flows downhill. The Paparoa Range is a rugged and beautiful area, full of native plants and animals.
Flowing to the Tasman Sea
From its mountain source, the Tōtara River flows mainly towards the northwest. It travels for about 18 kilometers (which is about 11 miles) before it reaches its final destination: the Tasman Sea. The Tasman Sea is the large body of water that separates New Zealand from Australia. When a river reaches the sea, we call that its "mouth." The Tōtara River's mouth is at sea level, which means it's at 0 meters (0 feet) elevation.
The river meets the sea about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of a place called Cape Foulwind. Cape Foulwind is a well-known landmark on the West Coast, famous for its lighthouse and a colony of fur seals.
A River Joins the Tōtara
Just before the Tōtara River flows into the Tasman Sea, another smaller river joins it. This river is called the Little Totara River. When one river flows into another, the smaller one is called a "tributary." So, the Little Totara River is a tributary of the Tōtara River. It's like two friends meeting up before they head to the beach together!
Why Rivers Like the Tōtara Matter
Rivers are incredibly important parts of our planet. They provide fresh water for plants and animals, and they help shape the land over many years. The Tōtara River, like many rivers in New Zealand, is part of a unique natural environment. It helps create habitats for different kinds of fish and insects, and its waters support the plants that grow along its banks.
The West Coast Region, where the Tōtara River is located, is famous for its wild and beautiful landscapes, including lush forests, rugged coastlines, and, of course, its many rivers.
