The Taruarau River is a river in the Hawke's Bay region of the eastern North Island of New Zealand. It is located northwest of Napier. It flows south for from the Tawake Tohunga Range, before flowing into the Ngaruroro River from that river's outflow into Hawke Bay.
Geography
The river rises from the Tawake Tohunga Range of the Kaimanawa Range, flowing south across tussock country, scrub-dominated valleys and gorges, before joining the Ngaruroro River. Much of the lower section of the river forms part of the border between the Rangitikei District and Hastings District, between the Ikawatea Stream and the Ngaruroro River.
History
The river has traditional significance to Heretaunga Tamatea of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Tūwharetoa, serving as a marker between the rohe of the two iwi. Near the mouth of the Ikawetea Stream is a location called Te Upokororo-o-Kahungunu, where the ancestor Kahungunu sat on a rock to wait for upokororo (New Zealand graylings).
Recreation
The river is highly valued for fishing and kayaking, especially salmon and trout fishing.
References