Makarora River

The Makarora River is in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand.

Makarora River
The Makarora River flows into northern end of Lake Wānaka.
Location
CountryNew Zealand
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationMount Aspiring National Park
Mouth 
 • location
Lake Wānaka
 • elevation
300 m (980 ft)
Length35 km (22 mi)

Geography

The headwaters are in Mount Aspiring National Park, on the eastern flanks of the Southern Alps near Haast Pass, which is the saddle between the Makarora and Haast River valleys. The Makarora River flows south into the northern end of Lake Wānaka after passing the small community of Makarora. The river attracts some recreational fishing, jetboating and kayaking. Rainbow and brown trout migrate from Lake Wānaka up the river and its tributaries to spawn, mainly in autumn and winter.[1]

Landslide

In September 2007 a landslide in the Young River valley blocked off the corresponding stream. Young River is a tributary to Makarora River. The landslide created a new lake. The lake appears to be permanent.

Tourism

State Highway 6 follows the Makarora River for the majority of its course from just south of Haast Pass. A popular[2] short walk leads to its confluence with the Blue River, at the aptly named Blue Pools.[3] Cameron Flat Campground is a convenient campsite with a cooking shelter and bathrooms directly off State Highway 6.

Cameron Flat Campground
The Makarora River near West Makarora township.

See also

References
  1. Info panel at Blue Pools, Department of Conservation NZ
  2. "101 Kiwi Must Do's: The Blue Pools of Haast Pass". NZ Automobile Association. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  3. "Blue Pools Track". Department of Conservation NZ. Retrieved 22 March 2015.


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