Waitaha River

The Waitaha River drains high ranges west of the South Island’s main divide. It is bounded by Mts Beaumont and Evans to the east and the Hitchen and Smyth Ranges to the north and south, respectively.

The wild section of the river (above Douglas Creek) is located outside of any national, forest or conservation park boundaries - it is “stewardship land”. The river is characterized by steep, high mountain ranges clothed with thick, impenetrable forests and scrublands, and is fed by rugged basins and glaciers. The catchment is located in the country’s highest annual rainfall zone with a remarkable 10-12 metres of rain per year. Consequently, the river flow is voluminous. The river passes through three gorges; Windhover, Waitaha and the Morgan.

The unmodified and rugged aspect of the area, coupled with its high scenic beauty, attracts a significant number of experienced recreationalists – typically trampers, mountaineers, kayakers and hunters. The area has seen gold prospecting in the past, and mountaineering exploration in the 1930s and 40s. The valley has a well-equipped, if simple and lightly maintained, set of tracks, bridges and huts.

The Threat to the Waitaha River

The locally owned utility company, Westpower, and its subsidiary, Electronet, are exploring the possibility of a run-of-river hydro scheme in the Morgan Gorge.

The scheme would considerably compromise the wilderness values of the valley, with a large wier at Kiwi Flat, and significantly reduced flow in the Morgan Gorge. As well as destroying the river's wilderness values, there would be a loss of habitat for whio (blue duck). It is also likely that weeds would more readily enter the river above the gorge and spread up-valley.

Access roads, the power station, transmission lines, pipelines and penstocks would also require clearance of pristine native forest.

Organisations Supporting the Waitaha River