Waikato River

The Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand. Located in the northwestern North Island, it runs for 425 kilometres from the eastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, joining the Tongariro River system and emptying into Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. It drains Taupo at the lake's northeastern edge, creates the Huka Falls, then flows northwest, forming the Waikato Plains. Finally, it empties into the Tasman Sea south of Auckland at Port Waikato. The river gives its name to the Waikato region which surrounds the Waikato Plains.

Related Topics:
New Zealand - North Island - Mount Ruapehu - Tongariro River - Lake Taupo - Huka Falls - Waikato Plains - Tasman Sea - Auckland - Port Waikato - Waikato

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The rivers main tributary is the Waipa River, which has its confluence with the Waikato at Ngaruawahia.

Related Topics:
Waipa River - Ngaruawahia

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The Waikato River has spiritual meaning for the local Tainui Maori tribe who regard it as a source of their mana or pride. The New Zealand national marae of Turangawaewae is located close to its banks at Ngaruawahia. The name Waikato comes from Maori and translates as flowing water.

Related Topics:
Tainui - Maori - Mana - Marae - Turangawaewae - Maori

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