Wairaurāhiri River

Wairaurāhiri River
Mouth of the Wairaurāhiri River
Route of the Wairaurāhiri River
Mouth of the Wairaurāhiri River
Wairaurāhiri River (South Island)
Location
CountryNew Zealand
Physical characteristics
SourceLake Hauroko
 • coordinates46°04′42″S 167°17′02″E / 46.0782°S 167.284°E / -46.0782; 167.284
 • elevation157 m (515 ft)
Mouth 
 • location
Foveaux Strait
 • coordinates
46°15′44″S 167°12′57″E / 46.2621°S 167.2157°E / -46.2621; 167.2157
 • elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Length27 km (17 mi)
Basin features
ProgressionWairaurāhiri RiverFoveaux Strait
Tributaries 
 • leftWaitapu Stream, Kaikokopu Stream, Waikakapo Stream, Wairere Stream, Kaituna Stream
 • rightRata Burn

The Wairaurāhiri River is a river in southern Fiordland, New Zealand, draining Lake Hauroko into the sea. Many boats have got into trouble along its length, as the river flows quite quickly with grade-3 rapids, so the main boats that use the river are commercial jetboats.[1] There is a 157-metre (515 ft) drop from the source at Lake Hauroko to the mouth, which empties into Foveaux Strait.[2]

There is an active stoat and rat trapping program set up along the length of the river and maintained by locals.[3] Possums were plentiful in the area as early as 1900.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Wairaurahiri Jet - Wairaurahiri Jet". Wjet.co.nz. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  2. ^ Shirley Whyte (14 November 2012). "Jet boats strike trouble on Wairaurahiri River". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  3. ^ "Wairaurahiri Jet - Wairaurahiri Jet". Wjet.co.nz. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  4. ^ "ROUND ABOUT PRESERVATION. (Otago Witness, 1900-06-14)". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. Retrieved 24 June 2018.