The Akatarawa River is a river in the lower North Island of New Zealand.

Akatarawa River
Image of a river flowing through a valley with thick bush on both sides
Akatarawa River in Akatarawa Forest
Relief map of New Zealand
Relief map of New Zealand
Location of the Akatarawa River in New Zealand
EtymologyFrom Māori: aka (vine) and tarewa (hanging or drooping)[1]
Native nameAkatarewa (Māori)
Location
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWellington
Physical characteristics
SourceMaunganui
 • coordinates40°58′06″S 175°03′26″E / 40.9682°S 175.0571°E / -40.9682; 175.0571
 • elevation600 metres (2,000 ft)
MouthTe Awa Kairangi / Hutt River
 • coordinates
41°05′26″S 175°05′50″E / 41.0906°S 175.0972°E / -41.0906; 175.0972
 • elevation
80 metres (260 ft)
Length20 kilometres (12 mi)
Basin features
ProgressionTe Awa Kairangi / Hutt RiverWellington HarbourCook Strait
Tributaries 
 • leftBull Stream, Chilly Stream, Frances Stream
 • rightDeadwood Stream, Akatarawa River West

It is a short river, flowing south for 20 kilometres (12 mi) through small rocky gorges and the Akatarawa Valley before joining the Hutt River at Birchville, a suburb in the northern end of Upper Hutt. Its eventual outflow is into Wellington Harbour, then into Cook Strait.

References

edit
  1. ^ "Place name detail: Akatarawa River". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 9 September 2023.