Wairau River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wairau River |
|
|---|---|
Kowhai Point in the Wairau Valley
|
|
| Native name | Wairau |
| Countrty | New Zealand |
| Region | Marlborough |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Spenser Mountains |
| River mouth | Te Koko-o-Kupe / Cloudy Bay 41°34′S 173°31′E / 41.567°S 173.517°E |
| Length | 170 kilometres (110 mi) |
The Wairau River is one of the longest rivers in New Zealand's South Island. It flows for about 170 kilometres (110 mi). The river starts in the Spenser Mountains. These mountains are part of the Southern Alps.
The Wairau River first flows north. Then it turns northeast. It travels down a long, straight valley in Marlborough. The flat land near the river's end is very good for growing grapes. This area is famous for its wine.
The river eventually flows into Cook Strait. This happens at Cloudy Bay. This bay is just north of Blenheim. The Wairau River meets the sea at a place called the Wairau Bar. This bar is an important archaeological site. This means people have found old things there. These findings tell us about the past.
Contents
History of the Wairau River
Early Māori Settlements and Life
Before Europeans arrived, a large Māori settlement was near the mouth of the Wairau River. This was one of the biggest Māori communities in the South Island. People lived there for a long time. They used the river for travel and food.
The Wairau Affray: A Land Dispute
The Wairau Valley was the site of an important event in 1843. It was called the Wairau Affray. This was the first time Māori residents and English settlers had a violent clash. They were fighting over land in New Zealand. This event was a sad part of the country's early history.
How the Wairau River Helps Us
Generating Electricity from the River
The Wairau River and its smaller streams are used to make electricity. This is called hydroelectricity. There are two power stations already working on streams that flow into the Wairau River. These stations use the power of moving water.
Future Plans for Hydroelectricity
There is a plan called the Wairau Hydro Scheme. A company named TrustPower wants to build it. This plan would use a long canal, about 48-kilometre (30 mi) long. Up to 60 percent of the river's water would go into this canal. This would help make more electricity.
A special permission, called a resource consent, has been given for this plan. However, some people do not agree with the plan. They have asked the Environment Court to review it. This court helps decide if projects are good for the environment.
