Avon River

The Avon River ( /ˈeɪvən/) flows through the centre of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, and out to an estuary, which it shares with the Heathcote River, the Avon Heathcote Estuary. Geologically, as with most of the South Island's rivers, it is very young. The Avon (in its current course) may date from New Zealand's last ice age. The Avon follows a meandering course through Christchurch from its source in the outer western suburb of Avonhead through Ilam, Riccarton and Fendalton, then through Hagley Park and the Central Business District (CBD). East of the CBD, it passes through Avonside, Dallington, Avondale and Aranui, and finally flowing into the Pacific Ocean via the Avon Heathcote Estuary (Māori: Te Wahapū) near Sumner. The...