The Nieuwe Merwede is a major river in the southwestern Netherlands, running approximately 21 kilometres and forming a significant boundary between the provinces of South Holland and North Brabant. It flows westward to meet the Hollandsdiep, where it also connects with the Amer. The river is notable for having very few bridges or tunnels along its length, which makes crossings relatively rare and gives the waterway an open, uninterrupted character across much of its course.

The Nieuwe Merwede forms the northern boundary of the Biesbosch National Park, the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe. Between the Nieuwe Merwede to the north and the Amer to the south, an extensive network of waterways, willow forests, creeks, and wetlands spreads across the landscape. This delta environment supports a wide variety of plant and animal life, including beavers and numerous bird species, particularly migratory birds during spring and autumn.

Paddlers entering the Biesbosch can do so via the Nieuwe Merwede, along with the Beneden-Merwede, the Hollands Diep, and the Amer. The river itself is a working waterway and carries commercial and recreational boat traffic, so paddlers should be aware of vessel movements. Tidal influence, depth fluctuations, and strong currents are factors that require attention when navigating this area, and paddlers should plan accordingly.

A ferry crossing operates year-round between Kop van 't Land and Werkendam, connecting the Sliedrechtse Biesbosch on the South Holland side with the Brabantse Biesbosch in North Brabant. This crossing is one of the very few points where the river can be crossed, and it serves as a practical reference point for paddlers navigating the area.

Spring and autumn are generally considered favorable periods for wildlife observation, with migratory birds particularly active during those seasons. Summer brings more recreational activity to the waterways. The surrounding landscape is flat and low-lying, consistent with the broader Dutch river delta environment.