Wakamarina River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wakamarina River |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Richmond Range |
| River mouth | Pelorus River |
| Length | 24 km (15 mi) |
The Wakamarina River is a cool river found in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand's South Island. It's about 24 kilometers (15 miles) long. This river is special because it played a big part in New Zealand's history, especially during a time when people were looking for gold!
What is the Wakamarina River?
The Wakamarina River is a natural waterway that flows through a beautiful part of New Zealand. It starts high up in the Richmond Range mountains. From there, it travels generally towards the northeast. The river finally joins another, larger river called the Pelorus River. This meeting point is near a small town called Canvastown. Canvastown is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of a bigger town named Havelock.
Where Does it Flow?
Imagine the river starting its journey in the tall Richmond Range. It winds its way down, collecting water from smaller streams. As it flows, it passes through green landscapes and quiet areas. Its path takes it towards the coast, where it eventually empties into the Pelorus River. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with forests and hills all around.
The Gold Rush Story
The Wakamarina River became very famous in 1864. This was because gold was discovered in the river, not far from Havelock! When news of the gold spread, thousands of people rushed to the area. Imagine about 6,000 men, all hoping to find their fortune in the river's waters. They would dig and pan for gold, working hard every day.
This period was called the "Wakamarina Gold Rush." It brought a lot of excitement and activity to the quiet region. However, the gold rush didn't last forever. After a while, most of the gold had been found. Many miners then moved on to other places where new gold discoveries were happening, like the West Coast Gold Rush on the other side of the South Island. Even though it was short, the gold rush left its mark on the history of the Wakamarina River and the Marlborough Region.
