[7] The land adjacent to the stream forms an alluvial flood zone, which was historically forested by tōtara, tītoki and west coast kōwhai.

[8] Large tōtara, kahikatea, tītoki, karaka, and kauri trees can be found on the banks of the stream, at Henderson Park.

[2] The stream is named after one of the oldest Te Kawerau ā Maki ancestors, Panuku, who was the wife of Parekura, and died after being kidnapped by Nihotupu.

[10] The mid-section of the river is the location of Ōpareira, a former kāinga (unfortified settlement),[11] while the Border Road Esplanade area in the lower stream was known as Waitaro, referring to the taro plants which grew there.

[12] The northern banks of the Ōpanuku Stream at Henderson became a vineyard for Lebanese New Zealander Assid Abraham Corban in 1907.