| Drake River | |
| Name Etymology: | Named after Charlie Douglas, an explorer of the region |
| Pushpin Map: | New Zealand#New Zealand South Island |
| Pushpin Map Size: | 270px |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Mouth of the Drake River |
| Subdivision Type1: | Country |
| Subdivision Name1: | New Zealand |
| Subdivision Type2: | region |
| Subdivision Name2: | West Coast Region |
| Subdivision Type3: | District |
| Subdivision Name3: | Westland District |
| Subdivision Type4: | Protected area |
| Subdivision Name4: | Mount Aspiring National Park |
| Length: | 13.7km (08.5miles) |
| Source1: | Drake Range |
| Source1 Coordinates: | -44.2172°N 168.8939°W |
| Source1 Elevation: | 1900m (6,200feet) |
| Mouth: | Waiatoto River |
| Mouth Location: | Drake Flats |
| Mouth Coordinates: | -44.1833°N 168.7822°W |
| Mouth Elevation: | 105m (344feet) |
| Progression: | Drake River → Waiatoto River → Jackson Bay / Okahu |
The Drake River is a river of New Zealand. It is located in southern Westland, and flows entirely within the Mount Aspiring National Park. The river follows a southerly course for seven kilometres before turning northeast to flow another five kilometres before reaching the Waiatoto River.[1]
The tributaries of the river were probably surveyed and named by Mueller in 1885.[2]
There is potential for a 30 MW power-generating plant at the junction of the Drake and Waiatoto Rivers.[3]