Deception River

The Deception River is a river in New Zealand. It is a tributary of the West Coast's Ōtira River, flowing generally north for 17 kilometres (11 mi) from its source on the slopes of Mount Franklin. It passes close to Goat Pass, which gives access to the Mingha River. Almost the entire length of the river is within the Arthur's Pass National Park.^[1]

Deception River
Deception River near Goat Pass
Route of Deception River
Mouth of Deception River Show map of New Zealand Deception River (South Island) Show map of South Island
Location
Country	New Zealand
region	West Coast Region
District	Westland District
Physical characteristics
Source	Aicken Range
• location	Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana
• coordinates	42°52′50″S 171°39′27″E
• elevation	1,200 m (3,900 ft)
Mouth	Ōtira River
• location	Aickens
• coordinates	42°47′21″S 171°36′13″E
• elevation	285 m (935 ft)
Length	17 km (11 mi)
Basin features
Progression	Deception River → Ōtira River → Taramakau River → Tasman Sea
Tributaries
• left	Dorreen Creek, Shaffrey Creek, Gorge Creek, Foggy Creek, Twin Slip Creeks
• right	Good Luck Creek, Spray Creek, Midday Creek, Tutu Creek, Twin Slip Creeks

The river was once called "Goat Creek". It was surveyed about 1900 as a possible alternative route for the Midland Line, and the surveyor warned that the water levels could be deceiving. About three months later, a flood from the river into the Otira Valley caused several thousand dollars' worth of damage to the railway, and the river was given its current name.^[2]

The Department of Conservation maintains a tramping track alongside the river, and it is part of the annual Coast to Coast race.^[3] Backcountry huts are available for trampers; one near Goat Pass^[4] and another a little further down the river.^[5]

See also

• List of rivers of New Zealand