Makotuku River
| Makotuku River | |
|---|---|
Makotuku River at Raetihi | |
| Etymology | Māori meaning "white heron stream" |
| Native name | Mākōtuku (Māori) |
| Location | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| District | Ruapehu District |
| Settlements | Horopito, Raetihi |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Mount Ruapehu |
| • location | Sunset Ridge, Tūroa skifield |
| • coordinates | 39°18′7″S 175°31′44″E / 39.30194°S 175.52889°E |
| • elevation | 1,700 metres (5,600 ft) |
| Mouth | Mangawhero River |
• coordinates | 39°28′8″S 175°18′4″E / 39.46889°S 175.30111°E |
• elevation | 455 metres (1,493 ft) |
| Length | 40 km (25 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Makotuku River → Mangawhero River → Whangaehu River |
| River system | Whangaehu River |
The Makotuku River is a river of the west of New Zealand's North Island. It flows southwest from Tūroa ski field, on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, and passes through the town of Raetihi before its confluence with the Mangawhero River. It has been affected by several lahars over the last 160,000 years.
The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "white heron stream" for Mākōtuku.