Members of survey party and dog on the Otaki River. The Otaki River originates in the Tararua Range and flows for 45 km, firstly heading southwest through a valley in the Tararua Ranges. It turns northwest in the area of Otaki Forks, where it is joined by the Waiotauru River. After continuing through Otaki Gorge it reaches the Tasman Sea south of the settlement of Otaki Beach.