The Deception River is a river in New Zealand. It is a tributary of the West Coast's Ōtira River, flowing generally north for 17 kilometres (11 mi) from its source on the slopes of Mount Franklin. It passes close to Goat Pass, which gives access to the Mingha River. Almost the entire length of the river is within the Arthur's Pass National Park.[1]

Deception River
Deception River near Goat Pass
Map
Route of Deception River
Deception River is located in New Zealand
Deception River
Mouth of Deception River
Deception River is located in South Island
Deception River
Deception River (South Island)
Location
CountryNew Zealand
regionWest Coast Region
DistrictWestland District
Physical characteristics
SourceAicken Range
 • locationSouthern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana
 • coordinates42°52′50″S 171°39′27″E / 42.8806°S 171.6574°E / -42.8806; 171.6574
 • elevation1,200 m (3,900 ft)
MouthŌtira River
 • location
Aickens
 • coordinates
42°47′21″S 171°36′13″E / 42.7891°S 171.6036°E / -42.7891; 171.6036
 • elevation
285 m (935 ft)
Length17 km (11 mi)
Basin features
ProgressionDeception RiverŌtira RiverTaramakau RiverTasman Sea
Tributaries 
 • leftDorreen Creek, Shaffrey Creek, Gorge Creek, Foggy Creek, Twin Slip Creeks
 • rightGood Luck Creek, Spray Creek, Midday Creek, Tutu Creek, Twin Slip Creeks

The river was once called "Goat Creek". It was surveyed about 1900 as a possible alternative route for the Midland Line, and the surveyor warned that the water levels could be deceiving. About three months later, a flood from the river into the Otira Valley caused several thousand dollars' worth of damage to the railway, and the river was given its current name.[2]

The Department of Conservation maintains a tramping track alongside the river, and it is part of the annual Coast to Coast race.[3] Backcountry huts are available for trampers; one near Goat Pass[4] and another a little further down the river.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Peter Dowling, ed. (2004). Reed New Zealand Atlas. Reed Books. Maps 69, 70. ISBN 0-7900-0952-8.
  2. ^ "Deception River". The New Zealand Railways Magazine. 9 (1). 2 April 1934. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  3. ^ "Arthur's Pass: Mingha - Deception route". New Zealand Department of Conservation. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  4. ^ "Goat Pass Hut". New Zealand Department of Conservation. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  5. ^ "Upper Deception Hut". New Zealand Department of Conservation. Retrieved 26 August 2009.