The two branches join at the Sabine Forks, and flow into Lake Rotoroa.

Apart from the upper reaches, which is open tussock and scrub, the river is set within unmodified beech forest.

This route usually starts from Saint Arnaud at the northern end of Lake Rotoiti.

It follows the course of the Travers River, goes up over the sub alpine Travers Saddle (1787 metres), and then descends along the East Sabine Valley and Sabine Valley to Lake Rotoroa.

There is a diversity of flora and birdlife within the Sabine River Valley.