The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "place of dredging for shellfish" for Ōroua.

In its upper reaches, near the small town of Āpiti, the river passes through a deep gorge before emerging onto plains south of Kimbolton.

Near Feilding, the Oroua River is fed by the Makino and Kiwitea streams, which are both significant tributaries.

The river passes along the eastern edge of Feilding, through Timona Park, where it is a popular local swimming spot.

Some significant causes include run-off from local agriculture and issues relating to the Feilding Wastewater Treatment Plant.