Awarua River (Southland)

The Awarua River is a river located in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island. It flows generally south-eastward from its headwaters in the Longwood Forest, eventually discharging into the New River Estuary, near the city of Invercargill. The river is relatively short and drains a predominantly rural catchment area. Its tributaries are primarily small streams.

The surrounding land use is largely agricultural, with dairy farming and sheep farming being prominent. The river is important for local drainage and plays a role in the regional ecosystem. Water quality can be affected by agricultural runoff and other land use practices within the catchment. Conservation efforts focus on improving water quality and protecting native flora and fauna in the river's riparian zones. The river's name, Awarua, is Māori in origin, and the river holds cultural significance for local Māori iwi.