Waingaro River (Tasman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waingaro River |
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|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Tasman Mountains |
| River mouth | Tākaka River 40°52′56″S 172°48′34″E / 40.8821°S 172.8094°E |
| Length | 37 km (23 mi) |
The Waingaro River is an important river located in the Tasman Region of New Zealand's South Island. It flows for about 37 kilometers (23 miles) and plays a big role in the local environment and history.
Contents
The Waingaro River's Journey
Where Does the Waingaro River Flow?
The Waingaro River starts high up in the Tasman Mountains. Its source is near Waingaro Peak, which is about 1604 meters (5262 feet) tall. From there, the river flows east through a straight valley. This valley is surrounded by the Snowdon Range and the Lockett Range, both inside Kahurangi National Park.
A special bridge crosses the Waingaro River just before it meets the Stanley River. This bridge is a simple suspension bridge, which means it hangs from cables. It helps hikers get to the Waingaro Forks Hut, a small cabin for people exploring the park.
After this point, the Waingaro River turns and flows mostly north. It stays close to the eastern edge of Kahurangi National Park. Eventually, it reaches the flat area known as the Takaka Plains. Here, the river turns northeast and flows into the Tākaka River. This meeting point is about eight kilometers (5 miles) south of the town of Tākaka.
When the River Rises: Flooding
Sometimes, the Waingaro River can cause flooding on the Takaka Plains. This happened during Easter in 2016 and again in January 2017. When there's a lot of rain, the river can overflow its banks, covering nearby land.
Protecting Special Springs
The Waingaro River is connected to some very special water sources nearby. People have been concerned that taking too much water from the river for irrigation (watering crops) might harm the famous Te Waikoropupū Springs. These springs are known for having some of the clearest water in the world!
While the springs themselves are protected, the underground water system that feeds them is not always safe. Because of these concerns, a special meeting was held in April 2018. This meeting was about creating a "Water Conservation Order" to help protect the springs and their water supply. This order would help make sure the springs stay healthy for a long time.
Rivers in History
Long ago, when people first settled on the Takaka Plains, crossing rivers was very difficult. There were no bridges, so people had to find other ways to get across. Because of this, it was common for people to have trouble crossing the rivers.
During those times, a common greeting among people was "how is the river?" This showed how important the rivers were to daily life and travel. This old greeting was even chosen as the title for a book about the history of Tākaka, published in 2017.
