The Waita River is in the West Coast Region of New Zealand's South Island.

It flows generally west to reach the Tasman Sea 10 kilometres northeast of the mouth of the Haast River.

There are a number of baches next to the river after the point where it is crossed by the State Highway.

The final version of the CMS allowed the baches to stay, but they must be made available to the public where possible.

[2] The settlement at Waita River is also home to a commercial whitebait business.