Waitōtara River

The Waitōtara River in New Zealand's North Island stretches approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) in length from its headwaters in the Matemateāonga Range to its mouth on the South Taranaki Bight.

The viability of the Waitōtara settlement has recently been challenged by a number of devastating flood events, while the Waitotara School has undergone complete refurbishment.

Along the Waitōtara River lie the localities of Rangitatau, Puau, Orangimea, Tawhiwhi, Makakaho Junction, Ngamatapouri and Taumatatahi.

Food traditionally gathered from the Waitōtara River include kakahi (fresh water mussels), tuna (eels), whitebait, smelt, flounder, and sole.

The upper catchment (including the Omaru and Totara tributaries) remains as pristine forest, and is managed by DOC as the Waitōtara Conservation Area.