The Goldney River is a river in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. It arises on the southern slopes of the Craigieburn Range and flows south into Lake Coleridge. The river is approximately 7 kilometers in length and is recognized as a Pleistocene-age glacial meltwater channel within a broader glaciofluvial landscape. The Goldney family, after whom the river is named, were early squatters in the area.
Location and Geography
The river is situated within the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. Its source is on the southern slopes of the Craigieburn Range, a mountain range in the Southern Alps. The river flows in a generally southward direction and empties into Lake Coleridge, a large glacial lake. Its coordinates are approximately 43°17′07″S 171°32′04″E.
Geology
Geologically, the Goldney River is significant for exposing sections of a massive rock formation within a glaciofluvial landscape dating from the Pleistocene epoch. The river channel was formed by glacial meltwater processes.
Etymology
The river takes its name from the Goldney family, who were among the early European settlers (squatters) in the area during the 19th century.
