TheWaikato River is the longestriver inNew Zealand. It flows for 425 kilometers through theNorth Island. It starts onMount Ruapehu, joins theTongariro River system, and passes throughLake Taupo. After drainingTaupo, it forms the Huka Falls and flows northwest across theWaikato Plains. Theriver ends at theTasman Sea south ofAuckland, known asPort Waikato.[1][2]
TheWaikato region surrounds the Waikato Plains. The Waikato river's current course was shaped about 17,000 years ago due to factors likeclimate changes andforest regrowth. Its main tributary is theWaipa River which joins it atNgaruawahia.[3][4]
The name Waikato means flowingwater inMaori.[5] For localMaori tribes, especially theTainui, the Waikato River holdsspiritual significance and is a source ofpride (mana). The Turangawaewaemarae (sacred place), which is highly respected, is located near the riverbanks inNgaruawahia.[4]
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