The Waiari Stream is a spring-fed creek located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand, draining through a Taupo Volcanic Zone ignimbrite gorge. Because it is spring-fed, it maintains a consistent flow year-round, making it a reliable run regardless of season. The water is notably crystal clear, and the gorge setting gives the run a distinctly picturesque character with numerous boof opportunities throughout.

Access to the stream requires prior permission, as both the put-in and take-out are on private land. Paddlers must contact the Kaimai Canoe Club before visiting — the club president can be reached at 021 156 3472 — to arrange access and obtain current landowner details. Accessing the land without permission is strongly discouraged, as it risks closing the run for everyone. The put-in is reached via Te Matai Road, off Tauranga East Road near Te Puke, heading north from Okere Falls on State Highway 33 for approximately 28 kilometres before turning onto Tauranga East Road, then left onto Te Matai Road after about 3.9 kilometres. As of late 2025, the access route at the put-in property has changed due to construction, and the current approach follows the gravel driveway to its end before descending a track — confirm the latest details with the Kaimai Canoe Club. The take-out is located at approximately 394 Te Matai Road.

The run is graded IV (III+ with one portage). The most significant hazard is a large falls — identifiable by a prominent horizon line opening into a wide pool — that should be scouted from the left bank. At the falls, a tight chute pushes left onto a shelf with serious ankle-break potential. The portage is strongly recommended here. Throughout the gorge, underwater ledges are prevalent, and jumping into pools is discouraged unless the landing zone has been physically cleared of obstacles by swimming or diving with goggles. An ankle injury in this gorge would be a serious situation given the remote access.

The Papamoa water supply infrastructure extracts water from the stream below the gorge, and a water pipe on river right just upstream of this point offers a potential emergency exit. The stream's role in the Papamoa water supply is worth noting as context for the overall water quality of the catchment.

At low flows the stream can appear marginal at the put-in, but typically provides sufficient water for the run.