It then passes through the town of Mataura, and enters the Pacific Ocean at Toetoes Bay on the southern coast of the South Island.

It has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International because it supports breeding colonies of the endangered black-billed gull.

[2] For Māori, the Mataura was an important ara tawhito (traditional travel route) that provided direct access from Murihiku to Whakatipu Waimāori (Lake Wakatipu).

[3] The Mataura was a significant kāinga mahinga kai (food-gathering place) for local Kāi Tahu, and was tribally renowned for its abundance of kanakana (lamprey, Geotria australis).

Commercial and residential areas of the town of Mataura were particularly affected, including the pulp and paper plant.