Its total length is 23 kilometres (14 mi), and it flows into the Pacific Ocean at Waikawa.

Close to its mouth, it cascades over a small series of cataracts, ironically named Niagara Falls.

The river's source is 15 kilometres (9 mi) east of Fortrose.

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "bitter water" for Waikawa.

This article about a river in Southland, New Zealand is a stub.