River flows

New Zealand River Flows in January 2002

High January flows in the eastern South Island

January flows were near average for North Island rivers and for rivers draining the Southern Alps. Record high January average flows were recorded in parts of Marlborough, and in the Canterbury foothills and north Otago. Scouring of the rail track beside the Rangitata River derailed a freight train on 4 January.

Rivers flowed at above normal levels in Nelson. Conversely, many Southland rivers had lower flows than usual.