Whangamarino River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whangamarino River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake Waikare (modified due to flood control scheme) |
| River mouth | Waikato River @ Meremere |
The Whangamarino River is a river in the Waikato Region of New Zealand's North Island. It flows through the important Whangamarino Wetland. The river joins the larger Waikato River near Meremere. Its main branch is the Maramarua River. This branch starts in the Hunua Ranges.
The Whangamarino River system has changed a lot. This is because of a big project built in the 1960s. This project helps protect the lower Waikato River from floods. Before this, Lake Waikare was not connected to the Whangamarino River. Now, during floods, the Waikato River can flow into Lake Waikare. Then, this floodwater can be released into the Whangamarino River through a special canal. This helps control floods and protects communities. Even though this flood project changed Lake Waikare, it has helped many people. It protects homes and farms from flooding.
Whangamarino Wetland
The Whangamarino River flows through the huge Whangamarino Wetland. This wetland covers about 5,193 hectares. It is the second largest wetland of its kind in New Zealand's North Island. The largest is the Kopuatai Peat Dome.
A wetland is a special area of land that is often wet. The Whangamarino Wetland has different parts. These include peat bogs, swamps, and open water areas. People have drained some of the wetland for farming. The flood control project also changed its size. Because of this, the wetland is now about half its original size.
The Department of Conservation looks after this wetland. They manage it as a special reserve for both nature and wildlife. The Whangamarino Wetland is very important. It is protected under the Ramsar Convention. This is an international treaty that helps protect wetlands around the world.
River Crossings
Several important bridges cross the Whangamarino River:
- State Highway 2 crosses on a 61.6 meter long bridge.
- The North Island Main Trunk railway crosses on a 150 meter long bridge.
- State Highway 1 crosses on 39.7 meter long bridges. These bridges were built in 1981.
