Wanganui River

The Wanganui River runs from the Garden of Allah ice field in the south to Mt Whitcombe in the north, at its border with the Hokitika River catchment. Some of the lowest flows and clearest water in the Wanganui River occur in winter when snow and ice melt is at its lowest. The river’s lower reaches flow through extensive alluvial plains, which are used for dairy farming. Many small spring fed streams rise on these plains, with several selected for monitoring by the West Coast Regional Council.