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Definition of waimakariri
waimakariri
/ˌwaɪməkəˈrɪri/
wai · ma · ka · ri · ri
waimakariri Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
10
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
New Zealand A major braided river in the South Island of New Zealand, flowing from the Southern Alps across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean.
Example
"During the summer, tourists frequently enjoy jet boating up the shallow, braided channels of the Waimakariri."
2
New Zealand A local government district in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, situated just north of the river bearing the same name.
Example
"Population growth in the Waimakariri District has accelerated as more families seek affordable housing outside the main city center."
• Rhymes for waimakariri
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Māori language, where 'wai' means water and 'makariri' means cold.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Waimakariri. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/waimakariri