Which is the longest river in New Zealand?

New Zealand has a great network of rivers and lakes with clean water. The Waikato is the longest river at 425 kms and while this may sound small compared to world standards, it is a revered river in New Zealand. Maori who lived along the banks of the river, get both physical and spiritual sustenance from the river. They believe that the spirits of their ancestors mingle with the waters of the river. The river rises in the centre of the North Island, on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu and flows through Lake Taupo before continuing its journey. It flows into the Tasman Sea just to the south of the Auckland environs.