The Waimā River flows north through Northland, collecting water from the Taheke River at Moehau before turning west to enter the Hokianga Harbour at Rawene. The river is approximately 34 kilometres in length measured from the Te Kapinga Stream tributary, with an average gradient of 1:353 (2.8 m/km), making it a generally low-gradient waterway.

For canoes and kayaks, the paddleable section extends approximately 27 kilometres from the Highway 12 bridge. This upper portion features a shingle bed with a fast current in places, though the river is shallow throughout and willow obstructions are present in sections. Above the highway at the Te Kapinga Stream confluence, the river is considered too small for recreational use.

Below the main road, the river meanders over a shingle bed as far as Mamaranui, where conditions change markedly — the river becomes very swampy, sluggish, and muddy, taking on the character of a farm drain and becoming impassable by river craft. Willows are prominent through much of the middle section, with farmland lying beyond the river banks.

On joining the Taheke River, the Waimā becomes muddy and tidal, with swampy country on either bank. The lower 14.5 kilometres to the jetties at Moehau is accessible to motor launches, while jet boats and drift boats can travel approximately 15 kilometres to the Taheke River confluence. The lower tidal section is flat without current and is noted for snags, swampy banks, stopbanks, and mangroves in places.

The scenic and recreational value of this river is rated low overall. The upper section above the highway has an attractive bush margin alongside the river, but the river is too small to paddle there. The remainder of the accessible paddling reach is bounded by willows and open farmland, with the lower tidal reaches offering uninspiring scenery. Rafts and pack floating are not used on this river, and swimming is not recorded as an activity here.