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The
Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand. Located in the northwestern
North Island, it runs for 425 kilometres from the eastern slopes of Mount
Ruapehu, joining the Tongariro River system and emptying into Lake Taupo,
New Zealand's largest lake. 
It drains Taupo at the lake's northeastern edge,
creates the Huka Falls, then flows northwest, forming the Waikato Plains.
Finally, it empties into the Tasman Sea south of Auckland at Port Waikato.
The river gives its name to the Waikato region which surrounds the Waikato
Plains.
The river is 264 miles (425 km) long. It has a gentle gradient and carries a heavy load of ash from the volcanic highlands. The Waikato has formed numerous lakes and lagoons along its lower reaches. The rivers main tributary is the Waipa River, which has its confluence with the Waikato at Ngaruawahia.
The Waikato River has spiritual meaning for the local Tainui Maori tribe who regard it as a source of their mana or pride. The New Zealand national marae of Turangawaewae is located close to its banks at Ngaruawahia. The name Waikato comes from Maori and translates as flowing water.
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