The Waiau River in the Bay of Plenty is a beautiful and rugged waterway that offers a rewarding experience for dedicated anglers. The upper sections of the river are characterized by stunning scenery, including small waterfalls and vertical rock walls, creating a sense of remote wilderness. The river can be narrow in its headwaters, with sections measuring just one to two meters across, and it flows with considerable power through these confined areas. This is a destination that requires good physical conditioning, as access often involves significant hiking through challenging terrain, but the effort is rewarded with opportunities for well-conditioned trout in a pristine setting.