Aropaoanui River

The Aropaoanui (Awapawanui) river runs through northern Hawke's Bay Region in the eastern North Island of New Zealand.

[2] The Waikoua rises from streams on the Maungaharuru Range,[3] running generally south-southeastwards, flowing through steep-sided gullies.

[6] South of the lake, the river is crossed by State Highway 2 before veering eastward, joining with the Mairau Stream to become the Aropaoanui.

It continues through a steep-sided valley past the Tangoio Forest, reaching its narrow floodplain just 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from the coast.

[6] Some small farms dot the upper part of the floodplain, accessed by a metal road which meets the Napier–Wairoa highway.