It is a tributary of the West Coast's Ōtira River, flowing generally north for 17 kilometres (11 mi) from its source on the slopes of Mount Franklin.

Almost the entire length of the river is within the Arthur's Pass National Park.

It was surveyed about 1900 as a possible alternative route for the Midland Line, and the surveyor warned that the water levels could be deceiving.

[3] Backcountry huts are available for trampers; one near Goat Pass[4] and another a little further down the river.

This article about a river in the West Coast Region of New Zealand is a stub.