The Tarawera River originates at the eastern end of Lake Tarawera and flows east through volcanic geology toward the coast, passing through the township of Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island. The river offers a range of paddling experiences, from flat water upstream of Kawerau to grade 2-3 rapids through the town itself.

The most notable whitewater section runs for approximately 800 metres alongside Boyce Park and Firmin Field in Kawerau, where a purpose-built canoe slalom course with gates has been established. This is the only purpose-made whitewater slalom course in a New Zealand town, and has hosted major events including the 2013 World Rafting Championships. The course is divided into an upper section, suited to advanced paddlers with a solid whitewater roll, and a lower section offering a more forgiving introduction to moving water. A straight run through the rapids takes under ten minutes, while skilled paddlers can spend around half an hour working the slalom features. The river maintains a good flow year-round.

Access to the slalom course is via River Road and Waterhouse Road in Kawerau, turning onto the dirt road just before the Tarawera Bridge. The top end of the rapid can be accessed from Boyce Park. Parking is available in the tree-lined riverside parks, and toilets and shops are within one kilometre. Bookable accommodation is available at the nearby Firmin Lodge on Waterhouse Street.

Upstream of the rapids, flat water suitable for multi-sport training or recreational paddling can be accessed from Roy Western Park at the end of Poirritt Drive. An experienced paddler can travel approximately 40 minutes upstream from there, with a 20-minute return. This section moves swiftly in places but has no rapids, and offers bush-edged scenery with views of Pūtauaki/Mt Edgecumbe. Paddlers on this stretch should watch for submerged logs and riverside willows.

The river can also be run from approximately 10 kilometres below Tarawera Falls down to Kawerau. The Tarawera Falls themselves drop 65 metres over a sheer cliff into bush-lined rapids, carved into ancient volcanic rock formations. Helmets are recommended on the slalom course, and only paddlers with appropriate skills should attempt the full upper course.