Discovering the Nevis River
Situated in the heart of the Nevis Valley, the Nevis River is a striking feature of this high-altitude tussock landscape. The river originates from mountain springs and stretches over 35 kilometres through the Nevis Gorge. It begins at the southern end of the Hector Mountains, flows to the northern end of the valley, and continues through another gorge between the Carrick Range and the Horn Range. Eventually, it merges with the Kawarau River near the Victoria Bridge.
Access Points and Surrounding Features
You can access the Nevis River from different points depending on your approach. From the Bannockburn end of Nevis Road, the river is accessible at Nevis Crossing and Lower Nevis. If you are coming from the south end of Nevis Road near Garston, the river's headwaters are visible shortly after passing the northern access point of the Roaring Lion Trail. Although not directly visible, the Nokomai Mire, an alpine bog over 1300 metres high in the Garvie Mountains, feeds the Roaring Lion Creek, a significant tributary of the Nevis River. Reaching this confluence involves navigating several stream fords with a 4WD vehicle.
How to Get There
To visit the Nevis River, you can take Nevis Road from Bannockburn in a 2WD car or from Garston in a 4WD vehicle. From Bannockburn, follow the road to Nevis Crossing and then to Lower Nevis for river access. If travelling from Garston, continue on Nevis Road past the northern access to the Roaring Lion Trail to view the river's headwaters.
