Whangaehu River

Whangaehu River
The State Highway 49 bridge at Tangiwai
Map
EtymologyMaori meaning "muddy / murky harbour"
Native nameWhangaehu (Māori)
Location
CountryNew Zealand
RegionManawatū-Whanganui
Physical characteristics
SourceCrater lake
 • locationMount Ruapehu
 • coordinates39°17′2″S 175°33′50″E / 39.28389°S 175.56389°E / -39.28389; 175.56389
 • elevation2,550 metres (8,370 ft)
MouthTasman Sea
 • coordinates
40°2′28″S 175°6′0″E / 40.04111°S 175.10000°E / -40.04111; 175.10000
 • elevation
Sea level
Length161 kilometres (100 mi)
Basin features
Tributaries 
 • rightWahianoa River, Mangawhero River

The Whangaehu River is a large river in central North Island of New Zealand. Its headwaters are the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu on the central plateau, and it flows into the Tasman Sea eight kilometres southeast of Whanganui. Due to the high acidity of the water coming from the crater lake, water is not diverted from the headwaters for the Tongariro Power Scheme. Instead, it bypasses the Waihianoa Aqueduct via a ford.