The two branches of the Waihoa River arise in the Hunter Hills (foothills of the Southern Alps) and flow in a south-easterly direction until they converge at Waihao Forks near Waimate. From here, the river flows east towards the coast where it becomes a braided river. On reaching the coast, the river turns northwards and finally accesses the sea via a culvert known as the Waihao Box.

Access map

View the river flow:

-Waihao at McCulloughs

-Waihao at Bradshaws

View the rainfall.

There is good blind fishing for sea-run brown trout from the mouth upstream to Bradshaw's Bridge with bait a popular choice of lure.

The lower gorge has deep stable pools with willow-lined banks and further upstream there is sight fishing for brown trout in crystal clear water. It can be dry in summer.

Mouth: There is road access to the 'Box'

Lower reaches: SH1 crosses the river.

Above Bradshaws Bridge:
From Gum Tree Flat Road (where it meets the river) and at McCullough's Bridge. Near Waihao Forks, a walkway follows the river for about 5km.

Upper reaches:

A stretch of the river is on private land within Kaiwarua Station. Access is available to guests over well-formed tracks. See the lower Waitaki river map.

Dry fly: Small mayfly patterns during the day and caddis in the evenings

Nymphs: Small hairs ears, prince nymph and pheasant tails

Wetflies: woolly buggers and spider patterns

Spinners: Small balded lures such as veltic

Trout: No limit

Salmon: N/A

Trout: No limit

Salmon: Minimum 300 mm