kids encyclopedia robot

Wilmot River facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Wilmot River
Country New Zealand
Region Southland
District Southland
Physical characteristics
Main source Skippers Range
44°25′37″S 168°9′18″E / 44.42694°S 168.15500°E / -44.42694; 168.15500
River mouth Pyke River
Lake Wilmot
30 metres (98 ft)
44°22′26″S 168°12′33″E / 44.3739°S 168.2093°E / -44.3739; 168.2093
Length 13 kilometres (8.1 mi)
Basin features
Progression Wilmot RiverPyke RiverHollyford River / Whakatipu Kā Tuka
River system Hollyford River / Whakatipu Kā Tuka

The Wilmot River is a beautiful river found in the northern part of Fiordland, New Zealand. It's a relatively short river, but it plays an important role in the local environment. This river flows through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, known for its tall mountains, deep valleys, and lush forests.

Where the Wilmot River Starts

The Wilmot River begins its journey high up in the Skippers Range. This is a mountain range located in the Southland Region of New Zealand. The water that forms the river comes from rain and melting snow in these mountains.

The Source of the River

The very start of a river is called its source. For the Wilmot River, its source is in the rugged and beautiful Skippers Range. From here, tiny streams join together, growing bigger as they flow downhill.

High Up in the Mountains

The Skippers Range is a wild and remote area. It's part of the larger Southern Alps mountain chain. The water is very clean and clear when it first starts flowing from these high places.

The River's Journey

The Wilmot River flows for about 13 kilometers (which is about 8 miles). It winds its way through the natural landscape of Fiordland. As it travels, it collects more water from smaller streams.

Flowing Through Fiordland

Fiordland is famous for its amazing scenery. The Wilmot River flows through valleys surrounded by tall, green mountains. The area is often covered in dense native bush, which is a type of forest.

A Short but Important Path

Even though the Wilmot River is not very long, it is a key part of the local water system. It helps carry water from the mountains down to larger bodies of water.

Where the Wilmot River Ends

The journey of the Wilmot River comes to an end when it flows into Lake Wilmot. This lake then connects to other rivers, continuing the water's path towards the sea.

Joining Lake Wilmot

Lake Wilmot is a small lake that the river feeds into. This means the Wilmot River helps to fill up the lake with fresh water from the mountains.

Connecting to Other Rivers

From Lake Wilmot, the water then flows into the Pyke River. The Pyke River is a larger river that eventually joins the Hollyford River / Whakatipu Kā Tuka. This shows how all the rivers in an area are connected, like branches on a tree. The Hollyford River then flows out to the Tasman Sea.

The Environment Around the River

The area around the Wilmot River is part of the Fiordland National Park. This park is a protected area, meaning its natural beauty and wildlife are kept safe.

Home to Wildlife

The forests and waters around the Wilmot River are home to many native New Zealand animals. You might find different types of birds, insects, and fish living here. The clean water of the river is very important for these creatures.

A Place of Natural Beauty

Fiordland is known for its stunning natural environment. The Wilmot River adds to this beauty, with its clear waters flowing through a landscape of mountains and forests. It's a great example of New Zealand's wild and untouched nature.

kids search engine
Wilmot River Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.