Waitara River

The Waitara River flows through the second-largest catchment in the region, draining areas of both the eastern hill country and the extensively developed agricultural ring plain. The river holds special value for Te Atiawa, Ngāti Maru, and Ngāti Mutunga iwi.

The Waitara River begins deep in the eastern hill country and runs southwest toward Taranaki Maunga, before turning northwest to meet the coast at Waitara. Along its course, the river is joined by its largest tributary, the Manganui River. The Manganui rises within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and drains predominantly intensive agricultural land on its way to its confluence with the Waitara.