Taylor River (New Zealand)

Taylor River
The Taylor River in central Blenheim
Country New Zealand
Physical characteristics
Main source Taylor Pass
River mouth Ōpaoa River
Length 18 km (11 mi)

The Taylor River is one of the two rivers that flow across the Wairau Plain into Blenheim, New Zealand, where it joins the Ōpaoa River. It arises near Taylor Pass to the south of the Wither Hills and flows north-east and north.[1] The river and pass were named for Joseph Taylor, a New Zealand Company surveyor who worked in the area from 1842.[2]

At the time Blenheim was settled and for some years thereafter, floods were frequent occurrences in winter at the confluence of the two rivers and occasioned the nickname "Beavertown" for Blenheim because of the fancied resemblance to beaver lodges of buildings in the town when surrounded by floodwaters. The town mascot is a beaver in spite of the fact that none have ever existed in New Zealand, as they are a prohibited animal.

During periods of low rainfall, particularly over summer, much of the course of the river can dry up, however like many New Zealand rivers, the Taylor can rise rapidly during periods of heavy rain.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Peter Dowling (editor) (2004). Reed New Zealand Atlas. Reed Books. Map 61. ISBN 0-7900-0952-8.
  2. ↑ Discover New Zealand:A Wises Guide (9th ed.). 1994. p. 344.
  3. ↑ "Taylor River". www.marlboroughonline.co.nz. Retrieved 2018-07-17.

"Place name detail: Taylor River (New Zealand)". New Zealand Gazetteer. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 12 July 2009.

Coordinates: 41°37′27″S 173°57′01″E / 41.6242°S 173.9503°E / -41.6242; 173.9503


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