The Msta River, a major tributary of Lake Ilmen, crosses the southern part of the district.

The western part of the district lies in the basin of the Vishera River, also a left tributary of the Volkhov.

The Msta River was an important waterway since at least the 10th century, since it connected Novgorod with the basins of the Volga and the Northern Dvina.

The development of the area was considerably accelerated after the construction of the Moscow – Saint Petersburg Railway in 1851.

In particular, Malaya Vishera was founded as a settlement serving the railway station, and eventually developed into a regional trading center.

[11] The territory of the modern district was then a part of Krestetsky Uyezd of Novgorod Governorate.

Malovishersky District, with the administrative center in the town of Malaya Vishera,[12] was established within Novgorod Okrug of Leningrad Oblast effective October 1, 1927.

[13] During World War II, between October 23 and December 22, 1941, parts of Malovishersky District, including the town of Malaya Vishera, were occupied by German troops.

[12] On July 5, 1944, Malovishersky District was transferred to newly established Novgorod Oblast,[12] where it remained ever since.