When the river reaches Kumeū and Huapai, it flows due west, meeting the Ahukuramu Stream.

[6] Historically the upper river catchment was dominated by a kahikatea forest, and was used for a number of purposes: to hunt kūkupa (kererū, or New Zealand wood pigeon) and harvest harakeke (New Zealand flax) and toetoe (Austroderia) for weaving.

[6] The river formed a section of Te Tōangaroa, the portage between the Kaipara and the Waitematā Harbours.

[6] Ngongetepara (Brigham Creek) is less than two kilometres away from the Kumeū River at its closest point.

The traditional taniwha kaitiaki (guardian) of the Kaipara and Kumeū Rivers was called Tangihua.