Waikato River

The longest river
This beautiful flowing river is the Waikato and is New Zealand's longest. Rising from the slopes of Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro NP as the Tongariro River, it then flows north through Lake Taupo and issues from the lake's north eastern corner, tumbling over the Huka Falls and flowing northwest to enter the Tasman Sea south of Auckland. The Waikato is 425 km long with a gentle gradient and carries a heavy load of ash from the volcanic highlands. The Waikato has formed numerous lakes and lagoons along its lower reaches.

How the river got its name
The name Waikato originated during the voyage of the Tainui canoe, which had journeyed from Polynesia. Arriving just off the mouth of the river, the crew remarked upon the kato (the pull of the river current in the sea) and the name Waikato (wai meaning water) was given to the river.

I took this photo between Rotorua and Taupo in the North Island.

Today's Quote: No river can return to its source, yet all rivers must have a beginning - Native American proverb.

Yellow Water Billabong

Yellow Water Billabong is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. There are beautiful lily-covered wetlands, floodplains, backwater swamps and river channels.

About one third of Australia's bird species are found here in Kakadu National Park,and there are at least 60 species found in the wetlands - whistling ducks and magpie geese are prolific.

Yellow Water Billabong

We went on a 2 hour cruise in the early afternoon and our "Captain" was Agnes.