The "Middle Mātakitaki" section is about 10 km up the valley from Murchison, and is Grade/Class 2+, with some excellent play spots.
Alluvial gold is regarded as having a high purity and is often found in the coarse form.
Many river flats are subject to mining, including two dredging operations situated within the riverbed within the "Lower" and "Middle" sections.
It is an extremely important fishery and highly regarded not only for the numbers caught, but also as a trophy river.
[2] Network Tasman announced that plans to investigate the river for hydro development are on hold due to economic conditions.