The Ōruawharo River is a river on the North Auckland Peninsula of New Zealand. It flows westward into the Kaipara Harbour west of Wellsford. It forms part of the boundary between the Northland region and the Auckland Region.

Ōruawharo River
The Oruawharo River as seen from Ātiu Creek Regional Park, draining into the Kaipara Harbour
Map
Route of the Ōruawharo River
Ōruawharo River is located in Auckland
Ōruawharo River
Mouth of the Ōruawharo River
Ōruawharo River is located in Northland Region
Ōruawharo River
Ōruawharo River (Northland Region)
Ōruawharo River is located in New Zealand
Ōruawharo River
Ōruawharo River (New Zealand)
Location
CountryNew Zealand
RegionNorthland Region, Auckland Region
Physical characteristics
SourceConfluence of the Topuni River and Maeneene Creek
 • coordinates36°15′31″S 174°28′11″E / 36.2587°S 174.4697°E / -36.2587; 174.4697
MouthŌruawharo River
 • coordinates
36°17′52″S 174°17′02″E / 36.2978°S 174.284°E / -36.2978; 174.284
Basin features
ProgressionŌruawharo RiverKaipara HarbourTasman Sea
LandmarksHargreaves Basin
Tributaries 
 • leftWharehine River, Wharehanu Creek, Takapau Creek, Takahe Creek, Atiu Creek, Mullet Creek, Oturapa Creek
 • rightKoareare Creek, Kaira Creek

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives translations of "place of [a] stretched-out pit" or "place of Ruawharo [a personal name]" for Ōruawharo.[1]

History

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In pre-European times, the Ōruawharo River was important to the Tāmaki Māori people of the Kaipara Harbour. The Opou portage allowed waka to be transported across the Okahukura Peninsula between the Ōruawharo and Tauhoa rivers.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "1000 Māori place names". New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 6 August 2019.
  2. ^ Cameron, Ewen; Hayward, Bruce; Murdoch, Graeme (2008). A Field Guide to Auckland: Exploring the Region's Natural and Historical Heritage. Random House New Zealand. p. 101. ISBN 978-1-86962-1513.
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