Waimakariri Gorge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waimakariri Gorge |
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Looking down the Waimakariri Gorge towards the Southern Alps
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 Waimakariri Gorge
Location in New Zealand
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The Waimakariri Gorge is a cool natural spot in the South Island of New Zealand. It's where the big Waimakariri River flows through a narrow, rocky canyon. This gorge is found in inland Canterbury, a region known for its beautiful landscapes.
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Discovering the Waimakariri Gorge
The Waimakariri Gorge is a deep, narrow valley carved by the powerful Waimakariri River. It's a striking contrast to the wide, flat riverbeds found elsewhere. This natural feature is a popular place for both locals and visitors to explore.
Where is the Waimakariri Gorge?
The Waimakariri Gorge is located in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand's South Island. You can find it inland, away from the coast. It's an important part of the landscape as the river makes its way towards the sea.
The Waimakariri River
The Waimakariri River is one of the largest rivers in Canterbury. For much of its journey, it flows across wide, flat areas. Here, the river spreads out over many shingle (small stone) beds. But as it gets closer to the Canterbury Plains, the land changes. The river is then squeezed into the narrow Waimakariri Gorge. This creates a dramatic and exciting part of the river's path.
The Historic Waimakariri Gorge Bridge
A very important bridge crosses the Waimakariri Gorge. It's called the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge. This bridge was built a long time ago, in 1876, by a person named William Stokes. It stands about 30 meters (almost 100 feet) above the river.
For many years, until the early 1930s, this bridge was used by trains. It was part of the Oxford Branch railway line. This line connected the towns of Oxford and Sheffield. Today, the Midland Line railway also follows much of the gorge. This shows how important the gorge has been for travel and transport in the region.
