Crooked River (New Zealand)

Crooked River
Location
CountryNew Zealand
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationKaimata Range
 • elevation1,250 m (4,100 ft)
Mouth 
 • location
Lake Brunner
 • elevation
85 m (279 ft)
Length31 km (19 mi)

Crooked River is a river that flows from headwaters in the Southern Alps to Lake Brunner in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. It is named for the erratic path it takes. Near Lake Brunner, it passes through reasonably flat farmland, but closer to its source, it rushes through gorges and rapids. One tributary is the Poerua River from Lake Poerua.

Fishers visit Crooked River to catch trout. The river is also used by canoeists. Recently, there has been a minor silt build-up in the river's middle reaches.

There are two backcountry huts available for trampers along the Crooked River.