Coal River (Fiordland)

The Coal River is a river located in Fiordland National Park, in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. It's a relatively short river, known for its rugged and remote location within a region characterized by steep, forested mountains and deep fiords. The river's catchment area is largely undeveloped, contributing to its relatively pristine state. Its name likely derives from the presence of coal seams within its valley, though the extent and economic significance of these deposits are limited. The river flows into the sea via a short, relatively steep-sided valley, ultimately contributing to the larger waterways of Fiordland. Access to the Coal River is challenging, requiring significant hiking or boating, limiting human impact but also making detailed scientific study of its ecology difficult. Further research is needed to fully document the biodiversity of its flora and fauna.