Whataroa River

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Whataroa River
Whataroa River.jpg
Whataroa River flowing out to the Tasman Sea
NZ-West Coast plain map.png
Disc Plain red.svg
Native nameWhataroa (Māori)
Location
District Westland District
Region West Coast Region
Country New Zealand
Physical characteristics
Mouth  
  location
Tasman Sea
  coordinates
43°07′S170°15′E / 43.117°S 170.250°E / -43.117; 170.250
Basin features
Tributaries 
  left Butler River, Perth River
  right Gunn River
Whataroa River - Upper Reaches. Above the Butler River Junction. Whataroa River Upper Reaches Westland New Zealand Aotearoa.jpg
Whataroa River - Upper Reaches. Above the Butler River Junction.


Whataroa River flowing into the Tasman Sea Whataroa River mouth.jpg
Whataroa River flowing into the Tasman Sea

The Whataroa River, sometimes the Wataroa River, is a river in the southern West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. [1] Its source is in the Southern Alps and it flows north and northwest, passing the township of Whataroa on the eastern side before reaching the Tasman Sea just south of Abut Head. The river is fed by many tributaries, such as the Perth River, [1] and is crossed by State Highway 6 on its route between Whataroa and Te Taho.

Recreation

Whitewater rafting takes place on the river as an adventure tourism activity. [2] Access to the upper reaches of the river for rafting is either via hiking or helicopter. The river also flows through areas used for tramping and climbing. [3]

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Wahapo</span> Lake in New Zealand

Lake Wahapo is a small glacial lake in South Westland, New Zealand, within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park and near the township of Whataroa. It was a traditional mahinga kai for local Māori. State Highway 6 skirts the lake's southern shore. The lake discharges to the Ōkārito River via a small hydroelectric power station commissioned in 1960. The ecology of the lake has altered considerably since 1967, when the Waitangitāhuna River changed course to flow into the lake.

References

  1. 1 2 "New-Zealand-Whitewater-Rafting-Whataroa-River". Splash White Water Rafting. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  2. "Whataroa". Westland District Council. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  3. "Whataroa River". climbnz.org.nz. 2009. Retrieved 31 May 2021.