Large rivers and lakes in New Zealand. Rivers of New Zealand. Fauna of New Zealand


28-08-2015, 21:08
  • Clutha
    The second longest river in New Zealand, the longest river on the South Island. Leaks in south-southeast direction for 338 km through the Otago region, flowing 75 km southwest of Dunedin into the Pacific Ocean. The river flows through scenic terrain and is largely known for its history dating back to the Gold Rush era.
  • Mataura
    River in the southern region South Island New Zealand. The length of the river is 190 kilometers. The river originates in the mountains south of Lake Wakatipu. From there it flows through the city of Gore to south direction. After this, the river flows through the city of Mataura and flows into the Pacific Ocean through Toetoes Bay at south coast islands.
  • Rangitikei
    River in New Zealand. It flows along Severny Island from north to southeast for 240 km, after which it flows into the Tasman Sea. The source of the river is southeast of Lake Taupo, within the Kaimanawa Range. The Rangitikei then flows south across the central plateau through the towns of Taihape, Mangaweka, Hunterville, Marton and Bulls.
  • Taieri
    The fourth longest river in New Zealand. Flows through the Otago region on the South Island. The source of the river is located in the Lammerloh mountains, from where the Taieri flows in a northerly direction. Near the Pillar Mountains the direction of the river changes to southeast. About 32 km south of the city of Dunedin, the Taieri flows into the Pacific Ocean. The length of the river is about 288 km, of which the last 20 km are navigable.
  • Waiau
    River in New Zealand. Flows through the Southland region on the South Island. The river's source is Lake Te Anau, from which Waiau flows into Lake Manapouri, located about 10 km to the south. After this, the river flows in a southerly direction for 70 km, after which it flows into the Foveaux Strait, approximately 8 km south of the village of Tautapere. Waiau is approximately 217 km long.
  • Waikato
    The largest river in New Zealand, 425 km long, flowing in the central part North Island and flowing into the Tasman Sea.
  • Waitaki
    A large river on the South Island of New Zealand. Its length is about 110 kilometers. It is the main river of the Mackenzie Basin. The Waitaki is characterized by a multi-channel channel through lakes Benmore, Avemore and Waitaki. Hydroelectric power stations were built on lakes Benmore and Awmore.
  • Whanganui
    River in New Zealand. It flows through the North Island from north to southeast, after which it flows into the Tasman Sea. The length of the river is 290 km. The source of the river is on the northern slopes of Mount Tongariro.
  • Whakatane
    River in New Zealand. Flows through the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island. The source of the river is located in a mountainous area near Lake Waikaremoana. Flows due north, through national park Te Urewera. In the area of ​​the city, Whakatāne flows into the Gulf of Plenty of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Avon
    Flows through the center of Christchurch, on the South Island of New Zealand. The river's headwaters begin at the western edge of the suburb of Avonhead, where the river is fed by underground springs. The main watercourse of the river is formed at the confluence at the source of the streams Wairarapa (Maori Wairarapa), Waimairi (Maori Waimairi), Okeover and Ilam. The river drains into the Avon-Heathcote Estuary on the east coast of New Zealand, which it forms with the Heathcote River.

Located in New Zealand great amount rivers, but at the same time the overwhelming majority of them most of are small rivers. So, during a trip around the Taranaki volcano, located on Severny Island, new river found approximately every kilometer. In general, there are about 40 large river systems on Yuzhny Island, and about 30 on Severny Island.

Most New Zealand rivers are either rain-fed or snow-fed. Many of them originate in the highlands, flowing down to the plains and ultimately flowing into either the Tasman Sea or the Pacific Ocean.

Most long river The country is the Waikato River, which is 425 km long. The largest river in terms of water flow is the Kluta (about 614 m/s).

Numerous bridges span many rivers that have wide floodplains or contain water-retaining dams. So, through the Rakaia River passes the most long bridge in New Zealand (1757 m). The total length of the rivers shown on New Zealand maps is about 180 thousand km.

Since ancient times, New Zealand rivers have been widespread. Representatives of the indigenous New Zealand people, the Maori, and, in addition, the first European colonists, used rivers for transportation. In total, about 1,609 km of rivers in New Zealand are navigable, but at the same time, most of them do not play an important transport role today. Most of the rivers today are used for tourism and recreation: rafting, rowing, kayaking. New Zealand is one of the few countries in Oceania that has developed hydroelectricity production. Numerous hydroelectric dams operate on many New Zealand rivers.

Page 1

Introduction

In my work I will try to tell basic information about New Zealand. I chose this state because it is not studied in the school curriculum, but, nevertheless, it is very interesting by all geographical assessments. Below are some basic information about New Zealand.

§ Capital of New Zealand: Wellington

§ New Zealand area(73rd in the world): 269,000 sq. km. (including the North (115,000 sq. km.) and South (151,000 sq. km.) islands, Stewart and Chatman islands, a number of small islands)

§ Highest point: Mount Cook - 3,754 m.

§ New Zealand coastline: 15, 134 km.

§ New Zealand's longest river: Waikato - 425 km.

§ New Zealand's largest natural body of water: Lake Taupo, depth - up to 163 m, area 606 sq. km.

§ Natural resources: iron ore, gas, oil, gold, coal, wood, quartz sand.

§ Natural hazards: Frequent but rarely strong earthquakes, volcanic activity, no snakes or poisonous insects.

§ New Zealand population (120th in the world): 3,800,000 (2000), 84% of the population lives in the North Island, 85% of the population lives in urban areas. Lifespan: men 74.85, women 80.93. Population growth: 1.17% (2000)

§ Birth rate: 14.28/1000 (2000)

§ Mortality rate: 7.57/1000 (2000)

§ Official language of New Zealand: English, Maori Currency unit: New Zealand dollar (NZD)

§ Public administration system: parliamentary democracy

§ Telephone code New Zealand: 64

Geographical position

The state of New Zealand is located in southwest pacific. The main territory of the country consists of two islands, which have corresponding names - South Island and North Island. South and North Islands are separated Cook Strait. In addition, the country also includes 61 other islands, much smaller in area. total area countries is 268,680 sq. km.(which includes, in addition to the area of ​​the main islands, the area of ​​the Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Islands, Chatham Islands and the Kermadec Islands). This makes it slightly smaller in area than Italy and Japan, and slightly larger than the UK. Length coastline New Zealand is 15,134 kilometers.

South Island is the largest island that makes up New Zealand. It is home to approximately one fourth of the country's population. It stretches along the island from north to south mountain range Southern Alps, the most high peak chipped is a mountain Mount Cook or Aoraki, tall 3754 meters. In addition to it, there are 18 more peaks on the South Island with a height exceeding 3000 meters. The eastern part of the island is flatter and is almost entirely occupied by agricultural farms. West Coast much less densely populated. Huge tracts of practically untouched nature with virgin flora and fauna have been preserved here. The western part is also famous for its numerous national parks, fjords and glaciers sliding down the slopes of the Southern Alps directly into the Tasman Sea.

North Island significantly less mountainous than the South. Most high point North Island is active Ruapehu volcano, height 2797 meters. The North Island is characterized by high volcanic activity; of the six volcanic zones in the country, five are located on it. Located in the heart of the North Island Lake Taupo, the most big lake in New Zealand. It originates from it Waikato River, whose length is 425 kilometers, making it the longest river in New Zealand.

Lake Taupo, center of the North Island

New Zealand is located in the southwest Pacific Ocean in the Polynesian Triangle in central region hemispheres of water. The main territory of the country consists of two islands, which have corresponding names - Yuzhny Island and Severny Island. The South and North Islands are separated by Cook Strait. In addition to the two main islands, New Zealand has about 700 islands of much smaller area, most of which are uninhabited.

The largest of them are Stewart Island, the Antipodes Islands, Auckland Island, the Bounty Islands, Campbell Islands, the Chatham Archipelago and Kermadec Island. The total area of ​​the country is 268,680 km2. This makes it slightly smaller in size than Italy or Japan, but slightly larger than the UK. New Zealand's coastline is 15,134 kilometers long.

South Island - largest island New Zealand, its area is 151,215 km2. The island is home to approximately one-fourth of the country's population. Along the island from north to south stretches the ridge of folded mountains of the Southern Alps, the highest peak of which is Mount Cook, another official name- Aoraki) with a height of 3754 meters. In addition to it, there are 18 more peaks on the South Island with a height of more than 3000 m. The eastern part of the island is flatter and is almost completely occupied by agricultural land. The western coast of the island is much less densely populated. Significant tracts of practically untouched nature with virgin flora and fauna have been preserved here. the western part is also famous for its numerous national parks, fjords and glaciers descending from the slopes of the Southern Alps directly into the Tasman Sea. The island's largest lake is Te Anau (the second largest lake in New Zealand).

The North Island, with an area of ​​115,777 km2, is significantly less mountainous than the South Island and is more convenient for creating settlements and seaports, which is why most of the population lives there and the largest cities in the country are located here. The highest point in the North Island is active volcano Ruapehu is 2797 meters high. The North Island is characterized by high volcanic activity: out of the country's six volcanic zones, five are located on it. In the heart of the North Island lies Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. It is the source of the Waikato River, which is 425 kilometers long, making it the longest river in New Zealand.

New Zealand is isolated from other islands and continents by large sea ​​distances. The Tasman Sea, which washes its western coast, separates the country from Australia by 1,700 km. The Pacific Ocean washes East Coast country and separates the country from its closest neighbors - in the north, from New Calendonia, by 1,000 km; in the east, from Chile, 8700 km; and 2500 km south of Antarctica.

The length of New Zealand's coastal strip is 15,134 km. Territorial waters are 12 nautical miles. Exclusive economic zone - up to 200 nautical miles. The area of ​​the maritime exclusive economic zone is approximately 4,300,000 km2, which is 15 times the country's land surface area. There are up to 700 small islands in the country's coastal waters, most of them located at a distance of up to 50 km from the main islands. Of the total, only approximately 60 are habitable or currently inhabited.

New Zealand's terrain is mainly hills and mountains. More than 75% of the country's territory lies at an altitude of more than 200 m above sea level. Most of the mountains of the North Island do not exceed 1800 m in height; 19 peaks of the South Island are above 3000 m. The coastal zones of the North Island are represented by spacious valleys. There are fjords on the west coast of the South Island.

Geological structure of New Zealand

The islands that form New Zealand are located in the Cenozoic geocyclinal region between two lithospheric plates - the Pacific and Australian. Over long periods historical periods The fracture site between the two plates was subject to complex geological processes that constantly changed the structure and shape of the earth's crust. That is why, unlike most islands Pacific Ocean, the islands of New Zealand were formed not only as a result of volcanic activity, but also as a result of faults and are composed of geological rocks of different compositions and different ages.

Active tectonic activity in the earth's crust of this region continues at the present geological stage of the formation of our planet. And its results are noticeable even in a historically short period of time since the beginning of the development of the islands by Europeans. For example, as a result of the devastating earthquake of 1855, the coastline near Wellington rose by more than one and a half meters, and in 1931, also as a result of a strong earthquake near the city of Napier, about 9 km2 of land rose to the water surface.

The location of New Zealand is historically associated with active volcanic activity on its territory. Researchers suggest its beginning in the early Miocene, and the period of formation of modern zones of increased volcanic activity was completed in the late Pliocene. The largest volcanic eruptions presumably took place during the late Pliocene - early Pleistocene, when approximately 5 million cubic kilometers of rock could have erupted onto the Earth's surface.

At the present stage, the zone of increased tectonic activity and the associated high number of earthquakes is the western coast of the South Island and the northeastern coast of the North Island. The annual number of earthquakes in the country is up to 15,000, most of them small and only about 250 annually can be classified as noticeable or strong. IN modern history The most powerful earthquake was recorded in 1855 near Wellington, with a magnitude of about 8.2, the most destructive was the 1931 earthquake in the Napier area, which claimed 256 lives.

Volcanic activity in modern New Zealand is still high and 6 volcanic zones are active in the country, five of which are located on the North Island. In the area of ​​Lake Taupo, supposedly in 186 BC, the largest documented event in human history took place. volcanic eruption. The consequences of the eruption are described in historical chronicles from places as far away as China and Greece. The site of the eruption is now home to the largest in the Pacific region freshwater lake, its area comparable to the territory of Singapore.

Minerals of New Zealand

New Zealand is located on the border of the Indo-Australian and Pacific seismic rings. The processes of their interaction, including the rapid rise mountain ranges and active volcanic activity for two million years, determined the geology of the islands' land mass.

Despite the diversity of natural resources, only deposits of gas, oil, gold, silver, ferruginous sandstone and coal are industrially developed. In addition to the above, there are extensive reserves of limestone and clays (including bentonite clay). Aluminum, titanium iron ore, antimony, chromium, copper, zinc, manganese, mercury, tungsten, platinum, heavy spar and a number of other minerals are often found, but their proven industrial reserves are small.

It should be especially noted that all deposits and all jade mining since 1997 have been placed under the management of Maori, due to the important historical role that jade products (Maori Pounamu) play in the culture of this people. Proven gold reserves in New Zealand are 372 tons. In 2002, gold production was slightly less than 10 tons. New Zealand's proven silver reserves are 308 tonnes. In 2002, silver production amounted to almost 29 tons. Confirmed reserves of ferruginous sandstone amount to 874 million tons. Its industrial production began in the 60s of the 20th century. In 2002, production amounted to about 2.4 million tons.

New Zealand's proven natural gas reserves are 68 billion m3. Industrial gas production began in 1970. In 2005, natural gas production in the country amounted to approximately 50 million m3. Oil reserves are approximately 14 million tons; industrial production began in 1935. Oil production in the country is markedly declining in last years. In 2005, oil production in the country amounted to just over 7 million barrels. Coal production, which had been steadily increasing for many decades, stabilized in the first decade of the 21st century thanks to programs aimed at reducing solid fuel consumption. About a third of the coal produced is exported. Currently, 60 coal mines continue to operate in the country.

New Zealand climate

New Zealand's climate varies from warm subtropical in the north of the North Island to cool temperate in the south of the South Island; V mountainous areas The harsh alpine climate prevails. The chain of high Southern Alps bisects the country and, blocking the path of the prevailing westerly winds, divides it into two different climatic zones. The west coast of the South Island is the wettest part of the country; the eastern part, located just 100 kilometers from it, is the driest.

In most of New Zealand, rainfall levels range from 600 to 1600 millimeters per year. They are distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with the exception of drier summers.

The average annual temperature ranges from +10 °C in the south to +16 °C in the north. The coldest month is July, and the warmest months are January and February. In the north of New Zealand, the differences between winter and summer temperatures are not very significant, but in the south and in the foothills the difference reaches 14 °C. In the mountainous regions of the country, as the altitude increases, the temperature drops sharply, by about 0.7 °C every 100 meters. In Auckland largest city country, the average annual temperature is + 15.1 °C, with the highest recorded temperature being +30.5 °C and the minimum -2.5 °C. In the capital of the country, Wellington, the average annual temperature is +12.8 °C, the maximum recorded temperature is +31.1 °C, the minimum is -1.9 °C.

The number of hours of sunshine per year is relatively high, especially in areas protected from westerly winds. The national average is at least 2000 hours. Solar radiation levels are very high in most of the country.

Snowfall is extremely rare in the coastal areas of the north of the country and in the western part of the South Island, but the east and south of the island are prone to snowfall during the winter months. As a rule, such snowfalls are insignificant and short-lived. Night frosts in winter time may occur throughout the country.

Rivers and lakes of New Zealand

Thanks to special geological and geographical conditions New Zealand has many rivers and lakes. Most rivers are short (less than 50 km), originate in the mountains and quickly descend to the plains, where they slow down their flow. Waikato - largest river country with a length of 425 km. The country also has 33 rivers with a length of more than 100 km and 6 rivers with a length of 51 to 95 km.

In New Zealand, there are 3,280 lakes with a water surface area of ​​more than 0.001 km2, 229 lakes with a water surface area of ​​more than 0.5 km2 and 40 with a water surface area of ​​more than 10 km2. Largest lake countries - Taupo (area 616 km2), the most deep lake- Huaikaremoana (depth - 256 meters) Most of the lakes in the North Island are formed as a result of volcanic activity, and most of the lakes in the South Island are formed by glacial activity.

The average annual volume of renewable water resources according to statistical data from 1977-2001 in New Zealand is estimated at 327 km3, which is about 85 m3/year per capita. In 2001, river and lake resources were approximately 320 km3, glacier resources were approximately 70 km3, atmospheric moisture resources were approximately 400 km3 and groundwater resources were estimated at approximately 613 km3.

Security and management water resources and the water supply system for the population and economic facilities in New Zealand is under the jurisdiction of local governments. The cost of the main production assets of the water management complex is estimated at more than 1 billion New Zealand dollars. Centralized water supply systems provide drinking water about 85% of the country's population. About 77% of the country's consumption fresh water used in irrigation systems.

New Zealand soils

In general, the country's soils are relatively unfertile and poor in humus. The most common soil types are: Mountain soil types - making up about half of the country's territory (of which about 15% are devoid of vegetation). Brown-gray soil types - mainly found in the intermountain plains of the South Island (poorly productive for productive agriculture, used mainly as pastures). Yellow-gray soil types are characteristic of steppe regions and mixed forests and are used for active farming. Yellow-brown soil types are characteristic of hilly areas.

Fauna of New Zealand

Long-term historical isolation and distance from other continents has created a unique and in many ways inimitable natural world of the New Zealand islands, distinguished big amount endemic plants and birds. About 1000 years ago, before permanent human settlements appeared on the islands, mammals were historically completely absent. The exceptions were two species of bats and whales living in coastal waters, sea ​​lions(Phocarctos hookeri) and fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri).

Simultaneously with the arrival of the first permanent inhabitants, the Polynesians, to these lands, Polynesian rats and dogs appeared on the islands. Later, the first European settlers brought pigs, cows, goats, mice and cats. The development of European settlements in the 19th century caused the appearance of more and more new animal species in New Zealand.

The appearance of some of them had an extremely negative impact on the flora and fauna of the islands. Such animals include rats, cats, ferrets, rabbits (brought into the country for the development of hunting), stoats (brought into the country to control the rabbit population), possums (brought into the country for the development of the fur industry). Having no natural enemies in the surrounding nature, populations of these animals reached sizes that posed a threat to agriculture, public health, and brought natural representatives of the flora and fauna of New Zealand to the brink of extinction. Only in recent years, through the efforts of New Zealand's environmental departments, have some coastal islands been rid of these animals, which has made it possible to hope for the preservation of natural conditions there.

Of the fauna of New Zealand, the most famous are the kiwi birds (Apterygiformes), which have become the national symbol of the country. Among the birds, it is also necessary to note the kea (Nestor notabilis) (or nestor), kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) (or owl parrot), takahe (Notoronis hochstelteri) (or wingless plume). Only in New Zealand are the remains of the giant flightless birds moa (Dinornis), which reached a height of 3.5 m, exterminated about 500 years ago, preserved. A little later, presumably only about 200 years ago, the largest known species of eagles, the Haast's eagle, was exterminated. wings up to 3 meters and weighing up to 15 kg. Reptiles found in New Zealand include the hatteria (Sphenodon punctatus) and the skink (Scincidae).

The only representative of insectivores introduced into the country and adapted to the free living conditions there is the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). There are no snakes in New Zealand, and only the katipo (Latrodectus katipo) is a poisonous spider.

The country's fresh waters are home to 29 species of fish, 8 of which are on the verge of extinction. The coastal seas are home to up to 3,000 species of fish and other marine life.

Flora of New Zealand

Subtropical forest of New ZealandThe flora of New Zealand contains about 2000 plant species, with endemics making up at least 70% of this number. The country's forests are divided into two main types - mixed subtropical and evergreen. The forests are dominated by polycarpids (Podocarpus). Thickets of New Zealand agathis (Agathis australis) and cypress dacridum (Dacrydium cupressinum) have been preserved, although they have sharply decreased during the industrial development of forests.

The man-made forests, which cover an area of ​​about 2 million hectares in total, are mainly cultivated with the Radiated Pine (Pinus radiata), introduced to New Zealand in the mid-19th century. Plantings of radiata pine in the Kaingaroa Forest area have created the world's largest artificially grown forest.

New Zealand has the most a large number of liver mosses in comparison with other countries. There are 606 species in the country, 50% of which are endemic. Mosses are widespread, with 523 species currently known in New Zealand.

Of the approximately 70 species of forget-me-nots (Myosotis) known in nature, approximately 30 are endemic to New Zealand. Unlike forget-me-nots in other parts of the world, only two species of these plants in New Zealand are blue - Myosotis antarctica and Myosotis capitata. Of the 187 grass species historically found in New Zealand, 157 are endemic.

New Zealand has an unusually large number of ferns for its climate. Cyathea dealbata (also known in the country as silver fern) is one of the generally accepted national symbols.

Population of New Zealand

As of February 2010, the population of New Zealand is about 4.353 million people. The bulk of the country's population is made up of New Zealanders of European descent, mainly descendants of immigrants from Great Britain. According to the 2006 census, the total proportion of the population of European origin is approximately 67.6% of the total population of the country. Representatives of the indigenous people, Maori, make up about 14.6% of the population. The next two largest ethnic groups, Asian and Polynesian, make up 9.2% and 6.5% of the country's population, respectively.

The average age of the country's residents is about 36 years. In 2006, there were more than 500 people over the age of 100 living in the country. In the same year, the proportion of the population under the age of 15 was 21.5%.

Population growth in 2007 was 0.95%. The crude birth rate that year was 13.61 births per 1,000 population, and the crude death rate was 7.54 deaths per 1,000 population.

The majority of New Zealanders live outside the country permanently (or for long periods of time). The largest New Zealand diaspora lives in Australia (in 2000 the number of New Zealanders living in Australia was about 375,000 people) and in the UK (in 2001 about 50,000 people, with about 17% of New Zealanders having either British citizenship or the right to it receiving). Traditionally, New Zealanders living outside the country maintain close contacts with their homeland, and many of them deservedly rank among the outstanding representatives of their country.

According to the 2006 census, the majority of the population, about 56%, profess Christianity (in 2001 this was 60%). The most common denominations of Christianity in the country are Anglicanism, Latin Rite Catholicism, Presbyterianism and Methodism. Followers of Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam make up the next largest religious communities in New Zealand. About 35% of the country's population during the census did not associate themselves with religion (in 2001 there were 30%).

The total number of Maori is 565,329. Over 15 years (1991-2006), the number of this people in the country increased by almost 30%. About 47% of them are descendants of mixed marriages (mainly with Europeans). 51% of Maori living in New Zealand are men, 49% are women. Of these, 35% are children under 15 years of age. The average age of Maori living in New Zealand is about 23 years. At the same time, the average age of women is a little over 24 years, and the average age of the male population is a little over 21 years.

About 87% of Māori live in the North Island and about 25% live in the city of Auckland or its suburbs. Highest concentration representatives of this people are observed on Chatham Island. 23% can communicate fluently in Maori. About 25% do not own one at all. About 4% of Māori have a university degree (or higher). About 39% of the total Māori population have a regular, full-time job.

English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are official languages countries. English is the main language of communication and 96% of the country's population uses it as such. Most books, newspapers and magazines are published on it, and it also predominates in radio and television broadcasting. Maori language is second state language. In 2006, the New Zealand Sign Language received the status of the third official language.

New Zealand dialect in English close to Australian, but retains much greater influence from English southern regions England. At the same time, he acquired some characteristic features of the Scottish and Irish accent. The Maori language had a certain influence on pronunciation, and some words of this language entered the everyday communication of the country's multinational community.

In addition, representatives of another 171 live in the country language group. The most commonly spoken languages ​​after English and Maori are Samoan, French, Hindi and Chinese. The Russian language and other Slavic languages ​​are rarely used due to the small population for which these languages ​​are native.

Source - http://ru.wikipedia.org/

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rivers of new zealand world, rivers of new zealand
New Zealand has a large number of rivers, but the vast majority of them are small streams. So, during a trip around the Taranaki volcano, located on North Island, a new river is encountered approximately every kilometer. In general, there are about 40 large river systems on Yuzhny Island, and about 30 on Severny Island.

Most New Zealand rivers are either rain-fed or snow-fed. Many of them originate in the highlands, then flowing down to the plains and ultimately flowing into either the Tasman Sea or the Pacific Ocean.

The longest river in the country is the Waikato River, which is 425 km long. The largest river in terms of water flow is the Kluta (about 614 m³/s).

Numerous bridges span many rivers that have wide floodplains or contain water-retaining dams. Thus, the longest bridge in New Zealand (1757 m) crosses the Rakaia River. The total length of the rivers shown on New Zealand maps is about 180 thousand km.

Since ancient times, New Zealand rivers have been widely used. Representatives of the indigenous New Zealand people, the Maori, as well as the first European colonists, used rivers for transportation. In total, about 1609 km of rivers in New Zealand are navigable, but most of them currently do not play an important transport role. Most of the rivers are currently used for tourism and recreation: rafting, rowing, kayaking. New Zealand is one of the few countries in Oceania that has developed hydroelectric power generation. Numerous hydroelectric dams operate on many New Zealand rivers.

  • 1 List of the twenty longest rivers
  • 2 Other rivers longer than 100 km
  • 3 See also
  • 4 Notes
  • 5 Links

List of the twenty longest rivers

Main source: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/diagram/14687/new-zealands-longest-rivers
North Island South Island
Name
rivers		 Length (km) Length (miles) Basin area (km²) Flows into Flows across regions
1. Waikato 425 264 13 701 Tasman Sea Waikato
2. Clutha 322 200 21 960 Pacific Ocean Otago
3. Whanganui 290 180 7380 Tasman Sea Manawatu-Whanganui
4. Taieri 288 179 1865 Pacific Ocean Otago
5. Rangitikei 241 150 3186 Tasman Sea Manawatu-Whanganui
6. Mataura 240 149 728 Foveaux Strait Southland
7. Waiau 217 135 Foveaux Strait Southland
8. Waitaki 209 130 11 820 Pacific Ocean Otago, Canterbury
9. Clarence (river) 209 130 3289 Pacific Ocean Marlborough
10. Oreti (river) 203 126 1160 Foveaux Strait Southland
11. Rangitaiki (river) 193 120 2849 Pacific Ocean Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay
12. Manawatu (river) 182 113 5947 Tasman Sea Manawatu-Whanganui
13. Buller (river) 177 110 6501 Tasman Sea West Coast
14. Thames (or Waihou) 175 109 Pacific Ocean Waikato
15. Mohaka (river) 172 107 2357 Pacific Ocean Hawke's Bay
16. Wairau (river) 169 105 4222 Cook Strait Marlborough
17. Waiau 169 105 3289 Pacific Ocean Canterbury
18. Fangaehu 161 Tasman Sea Manawatu-Whanganui
19. Waimakariri 161 100 2590 Pacific Ocean Canterbury
20. Mokau (river) 158 98 1424 Tasman Sea Taranaki

Other rivers longer than 100 km

  • Avatere
  • Aparima
  • Matueka
  • Ngaruroro (river)
  • Patea
  • Rakaia
  • Rangitata
  • Ruamahanga
  • Tukituki
  • Turakina
  • Wairoa (Bay of Plenty)
  • Wairoa (Northland)
  • Hurunui

see also

  • List of rivers of Oceania

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 Young, David. Rivers. How New Zealand rivers are formed. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved April 2, 2010. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012.
  2. Murray, D. L. (1975). "Regional hydrology of the Clutha River" (Journal of Hydrology (N.Z.)) 14 (2): 85–98. Retrieved 2010-04-02.

Links

  • Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. New Zealand's longest rivers

rivers of new zealand, rivers of new zealand world, rivers of new zealand not

Rivers of New Zealand Information About



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