Deception River | |
Pushpin Map: | New Zealand#New Zealand South Island |
Pushpin Map Size: | 270px |
Pushpin Map Caption: | Mouth of Deception River |
Subdivision Type1: | Country |
Subdivision Name1: | New Zealand |
Subdivision Type2: | region |
Subdivision Name2: | West Coast Region |
Subdivision Type3: | District |
Subdivision Name3: | Westland District |
Length: | 17km (11miles) |
Source1: | Aicken Range |
Source1 Location: | Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana |
Source1 Coordinates: | -42.8806°N 171.6574°W |
Source1 Elevation: | 1200m (3,900feet) |
Mouth: | Ōtira River |
Mouth Location: | Aickens |
Mouth Elevation: | 285m (935feet) |
Mouth Coordinates: | -42.7891°N 171.6036°W |
Progression: | Deception River → Ōtira River → Taramakau River → Tasman Sea |
Tributaries Left: | Dorreen Creek, Shaffrey Creek, Gorge Creek, Foggy Creek, Twin Slip Creeks |
Tributaries Right: | Good Luck Creek, Spray Creek, Midday Creek, Tutu Creek, Twin Slip Creeks |
The Deception River is a river in New Zealand. It is a tributary of the West Coast's Ōtira River, flowing generally north for 17km (11miles) from its source on the slopes of Mount Franklin. It passes close to Goat Pass, which gives access to the Mingha River. Almost the entire length of the river is within the Arthur's Pass National Park.[1]
The river was once called "Goat Creek". It was surveyed about 1900 as a possible alternative route for the Midland Line, and the surveyor warned that the water levels could be deceiving. About three months later, a flood from the river into the Otira Valley caused several thousand dollars' worth of damage to the railway, and the river was given its current name.[2]
The Department of Conservation maintains a tramping track alongside the river, and it is part of the annual Coast to Coast race.[3] Backcountry huts are available for trampers; one near Goat Pass[4] and another a little further down the river.[5]