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South Island Rivers Trivia Quiz

This is a quiz about rivers in the South Island of New Zealand.

A multiple-choice quiz by veryeavy. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
veryeavy

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
328,324

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
416

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What is the longest river in the South Island? Hint

Clarence

Waitaki

Clutha

Rakaia

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Question 2 of 10

2. The Waitaki River receives water from which three glacial lakes? Hint

Wakitipu, Hayes, Dunstan

Tekapo, Pukaki, Ohau

Coleridge, Selfe, Georgina

Wanaka, Hawea, Lochnagar

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Question 3 of 10

3. The Clarence River runs through which large high country station (farm)? Hint

Glenorchy

Molesworth

Lilybank

Hakataramea Downs

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Question 4 of 10

4. What is the most accurate description of the Rakaia River? Hint

A rapidly flowing river, with many rapids and waterfalls

A swiftly flowing river, with many dams which generate electricity

A meandering river, winding extensively through pastoral farmland

A large braided river, noted as a salmon fishery

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Question 5 of 10

5. The Waitaki River marks the boundary between which two provinces? Hint

Canterbury and Otago

Otago and Southland

Canterbury and Marlborough

Fiordland and Westland

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Question 6 of 10

6. The Kakanui River is in which province? Hint

Marlborough

Otago

Fiordland

Westland

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Question 7 of 10

7. The Buller River flows into what body of water? Hint

Foveaux Strait

Pacific Ocean

Tasman Sea

Cook Strait

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Question 8 of 10

8. In 2001, Meridian Energy made a proposal called "Project Aqua" for hydro electric power generation on the lower reaches of which river? Hint

Clutha

Waitaki

Rakaia

Kakanui

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Question 9 of 10

9. The Clutha River is in which province? Hint

Canterbury

Westland

Southland

Otago

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Question 10 of 10

10. The two main tributaries to the Waitaki River are? Hint

Makarora and Kawarau

Ahuriri and Hakataramea

Dipton and Makarewa

Acheron and Dillon

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is the longest river in the South Island?

Answer: Clutha

The Clutha is 338 kilometres in length. It is also the fastest flowing river in the South Island.

2. The Waitaki River receives water from which three glacial lakes?

Answer: Tekapo, Pukaki, Ohau

The Waitaki River is about 110 kilometers in length. It is extensively used for generating hydroelectricty.

3. The Clarence River runs through which large high country station (farm)?

Answer: Molesworth

The Clarence River is actually the fifth longest river in the South Island. It is not particularly well known, possibly since much of it flows through some fairly rugged Marlborough high country.

4. What is the most accurate description of the Rakaia River?

Answer: A large braided river, noted as a salmon fishery

Both the longest road bridge (on State Highway 1, 60km SW of Christchurch) and the longest rail bridge in the South Island cross the Rakaia River just north of the township of Rakaia, approximately 25km before it flows into the Pacific Ocean.

Source: Wikipedia

5. The Waitaki River marks the boundary between which two provinces?

Answer: Canterbury and Otago

The Waitaki River has seven lakes, four of which have been created by dams used to generate electricity (Lakes Ruataniwha, Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki). Two of the natural lakes (Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki) have been raised as part of the overall hydroelectric scheme.

6. The Kakanui River is in which province?

Answer: Otago

The Kakanui River runs through North Otago. State Highway 1 crosses it at Maheno, five kilometerss inland from the township of Kakanui where the river flows into the Pacific Ocean.

7. The Buller River flows into what body of water?

Answer: Tasman Sea

The Buller River flows through the Buller Gorge, which is quite scenic. It is a magnet for keen drivers and motorbike riders.

8. In 2001, Meridian Energy made a proposal called "Project Aqua" for hydro electric power generation on the lower reaches of which river?

Answer: Waitaki

The project in its original form was canned in 2004. Its ending was largely a result of local opposition.

9. The Clutha River is in which province?

Answer: Otago

The Clutha River was the epicentre of the Otago Gold Rush which started in the 1860s. Gold was found in Otago in 1861.

10. The two main tributaries to the Waitaki River are?

Answer: Ahuriri and Hakataramea

The lakes on the Waitaki river are a mecca for watersport enthusiasts during the summer months. The name "Waitaki" means "weeping waters" in Maori.

Source: Author veryeavy

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Pagiedamon before going online.
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