A memorial to the first landing place in New Zealand by Captain James Cook is located close to the mouth of the river.

[1] The Gisborne Harbour basin is separated from the river channel by a concrete breakwater.

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "great standing place" for Tūranganui.

[2] The water quality in this river is poor due to it being the drainage point for two very large catchments with various land uses.

The fact that this river is tidal at this point improves water quality.