Waihou River

Waihou River
Thames River
The Waihou River near Putāruru
The Waihou River system
Native nameWaihou (Māori)
Location
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWaikato
Physical characteristics
SourceMamaku Ranges
 • coordinates38°4′34″S 176°1′52″E / 38.07611°S 176.03111°E / -38.07611; 176.03111
MouthFirth of Thames
 • coordinates
37°10′5″S 175°32′30″E / 37.16806°S 175.54167°E / -37.16806; 175.54167
 • elevation
Sea level
Length150 kilometres (93 mi)
Basin size1,982 square kilometres (765 sq mi)
Basin features
Tributaries 
 • rightOhinemuri River, Komata River, Hikutaia River, Puriri River
BridgesKopu Bridge

The Waihou River is located in the northern North Island of New Zealand. Its former name, Thames River, was bestowed by Captain James Cook in November 1769, when he explored 14 mi (23 km) of the river from the mouth. An older Māori name was "Wai Kahou Rounga". A 1947 Geographic Board enquiry ruled that the official name would be Waihou.[1]

  1. ^ "Waihou River". New Zealand Gazetteer.