The Mohaka river is on the North Island of New Zealand in the east central region of Hawke’s Bay.

[5] Ngati Pahauwera’s traditional tribal territory is from the Te Hoe river junction to its mouth.

Archeological surveys have found extensive evidence of villages and temporary camps along the lower and upper Mohaka.

[6]: 1 In 2004 a water conservation order was placed on the upper section of the Mohaka because of its fantastic fishing, scenic gorges and outstanding amenity for recreation.

There are several Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites, hot pools and plenty of undisturbed native bush.

[10] After approximately 36 km, it comes out of the Kawekas and farmland becomes more common[2] The river bends itself into an oxbow and shortly after rapids become larger as it leads into the grade III section.

As the more technical grade III rapids begin the river flows past native bush of the Tataraakina block on the left and Waitere Station on the right.

Scenery on this stretch includes massive boulders, waterfalls falling from the steep canyon walls and fascinating erosion patterns created by the water on the soft stones.

The vegetation changes to become more lush, featuring silver fern or punga, eventually easing off to cleared farm land towards the ocean[11] Water level is usually highest in the spring, dropping naturally throughout the summer but can rise quickly in heavy rains.

There is an automatic river gauge which posts water level information (NIWA) or contact the local rafting companies for current conditions.

Conglomerate, sandstone and limestone begin to dominate the banks and large boulders create the rapids down through the grade III section.

Large conglomerate blocks form the first rapid then the river eases into a sedimentary rock canyon.

After the Willow Flat Bridge, the size and frequency of large boulders decreases to be replaced by steep vegetation covered terraces.