It flows southwest from its sources close to the North Auckland Peninsula's east coast before emptying into the southern lobe of the Kaipara Harbour.

The Hoteo forms at the confluence of the Whangaripo and Waiteitei streams,[2][3] flowing southwest through the Wayby Valley.

The river began flowing when the surrounding lands were a low-lying plain.

[6] The Hōteo River was a traditional rohe (border) marker for the iwi (tribe) Ngāti Manuhiri's northernmost lands.

[7] The river mouth is a mooring point for motorboats, and the river is navigable 7.6 km (4.7 mi) inland from the Mangakura Bridge as far as the Paraua and Tarakihi rapids, two rapid systems which only exist at low tide.