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.

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

[7] The lower 19 kilometres (12 mi) of the Esk can be suitable for whitewater canoeing when the flow is above normal.

[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.