Braided rivers are unusual landform features which support many special plants and animals. Braided rivers are also found in Alaska, Canada, and the Himalayas, but New Zealand's extensive braided rivers are spectacular examples of this type of river. Their distinctive wildlife and plant communities make them unique worldwide.
Some braided river plants and animals are only found in, or only breed in, the South Island’s upper Waitaki Basin. Project River Recovery was set up to maintain and restore braided river and wetland systems in this region.