Waiau River (Southland)

The Waiau River in Southland is the region’s largest waterway, its Māori name meaning “river of swirling currents.” It issues from the glacial Lake Te Anau, winds roughly ten kilometres through forested flats into Lake Manapouri, and then continues about seventy kilometres southward to reach Foveaux Strait near Tuatapere. Shaped by the lakes and mountains of Fiordland National Park, its lower course was greatly altered by the Manapouri hydroelectric scheme, which now leaves far less water flowing to the sea. For Māori it long served as a vital travel corridor and resource; European exploration began in the mid-nineteenth century. Today it draws visitors mainly for outstanding trout fishing—especially the upper stretch between the lakes, one of New Zealand’s densest trout waters—along with kayaking, jet-boat trips, riverside walks and quiet immersion in its wild scenery.