It flows south from the slopes of Taraponui in the Maungaharuru Range before turning east to reach Hawke Bay 10 kilometres (6 mi) north of Napier.

At times the sea drives up shingle that blocks the outlet until the ponding water breaks through.

The earthquake raised the area, preventing the ponded water from flowing through Bay View any longer.

[10] Flash flooding inundated the settlement in March 2018,[11] leaving most of the local holiday park underwater.

The floods caused significant damage in the settlement, destroying houses and sections of State Highway 5 and the Palmerston North–Gisborne Railway Line.