Waikato

views updated May 21 2018

Waikato Longest river in New Zealand, in central and nw North Island. It rises from Lake Taupo in the central highlands, and flows nnw into the Tasman Sea. Hydroelectric schemes from eight dams along the river provide power for most of North Island. The river is navigable for 129km (80mi) of its 425km (264mi) course.