Oaro River

The Oaro River catchment drains the eastern slopes of the Kaikōura Ranges to the Pacific Ocean near Oaro. The upper catchment is mostly native bush, while the lower valley includes pastoral land. The river provides habitat for native fish and birds and contributes to the coastal ecosystem. The Oaro River holds cultural importance for Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura as part of the Oaro Mātaitai Reserve, which protects traditional food gathering (mahinga kai) and affirms tangata whenua kaitiakitanga.