Waimate Creek facts for kids

Waimate Creek is a natural stream in the southern Canterbury area of New Zealand's South Island. Its original name in the Māori language was Te Waimatemate. This name means "slowly moving waters".

Where Waimate Creek Flows

Waimate Creek starts in the Hunter Hills. It flows generally towards the east. The stream then reaches the flat land near the Pacific Ocean. It flows around the west and south sides of the town of Waimate. Finally, it flows into the Wainono Dead Arm. This arm connects to the Waihao River and Wainono Lagoon. The area of land that collects water for Waimate Creek is about 78 square kilometres (30 square miles).

Plants and Animals in the Creek

Experts at Environment Canterbury think Waimate Creek is very healthy. This is because the native forest at its beginning is still mostly untouched. Also, the land along its banks, called the riparian zone, is in good shape. This area has plants like willows and broom. Many types of fish live in the creek. These include the Canterbury galaxias, the New Zealand longfin eel, and the upland bully.

Bridges Over the Creek

Several roads and a railway cross Waimate Creek. State Highway 82 crosses it on the southwest side of Waimate. Near Studholme, where the creek flows into the Wainono Dead Arm, State Highway 1 crosses it. The Main South Line railway also crosses the creek there. A railway line called the Waimate Gorge Branch used to cross the creek too. That railway closed in 1953, and its bridge is no longer there.