Ahuriri River

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Ahuriri River
Ahuriri River 06.jpg
The Ahuriri River near Omarama
New Zealand (relief map).png
Disc Plain red.svg
Location of the Ahuriri River
EtymologyFrom te reo Māori, unclear etymology
Location
CountryFlag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
Region Canterbury
District Mackenzie Country
Physical characteristics
Source Mount Huxley
  location Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana
  coordinates 44°05′01″S169°40′41″E / 44.0835°S 169.678°E / -44.0835; 169.678
  elevation1,600 metres (5,200 ft)
Mouth Ahuriri Arm, Lake Benmore
  location
Mackenzie Basin
  coordinates
44°30′32″S170°03′14″E / 44.509°S 170.054°E / -44.509; 170.054 -->
  elevation
370 metres (1,210 ft)
Length70 kilometres (43 mi)
Basin features
ProgressionLake Benmore→Lake AviemoreLake WaitakiWaitaki RiverPacific Ocean
River system Waitaki River system
Tributaries 
  left Canyon Creek, Avon Burn, Longslip Creek, Omarama Stream
  right Hodgkinson Creek, Snowy Gorge Creek, Ahuriri River East Branch, Quail Burn
BridgesAhuriri Bridge (State Highway 8

The Ahuriri River is a river in the Canterbury and Otago Regions of the South Island of New Zealand.

The headwaters are on the eastern flanks of the Southern Alps. The river flows for 70 kilometres (43 mi) through the southernmost part of the Mackenzie Basin before reaching the Ahuriri Arm of Lake Benmore, one of the lakes in the Waitaki hydroelectric project. From there, the waters join with those of the Waitaki, which has its outflow in the Pacific Ocean.

Much of the upper portion of the river is in the Ahuriri Conservation Park, [1] and it is a well-regarded fly fishing river, supporting both brown and rainbow trout. [2] [3]

A notable rock formation, the Omarama or Ahuriri River Clay Cliffs, is located close to the river's north bank some 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) west of the township of Omarama. Omarama is the main settlement close to the river.

See also

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References