The Makarora River flows through the Makarora River Valley in the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, within the broader Mount Aspiring National Park region. The valley sits close to the village of Makarora and is accessible from both Queenstown and Wanaka. The river is flanked by towering, bush-covered mountains and passes near the Blue Pools, a well-known tourist destination along its course.

For paddlers, the Makarora offers a generally accessible experience characterized by small rapids punctuating stretches of calm, deep blue pools. The whitewater is described as invigorating but manageable, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate paddlers as well as those on inflatable kayaks or packrafts. A class 2 section exists in the lower reaches, and accounts describe floating quietly through areas rich with birdsong. The river can be used as part of a multi-day packraft loop incorporating the Gillespie Pass Circuit, with paddlers typically crossing or launching on the Makarora before continuing up the Wilkin Valley. At low flows the river is fordable on foot; at higher flows, inflating a packraft to ferry across is recommended.

Jet boating is permitted on the Makarora from Lake Wānaka upstream to the confluence of the Young River, year-round, which paddlers should be aware of when planning trips. The Wilkin River, which joins the Makarora, also has year-round jet boat access from that confluence upstream to Kerin Forks. Paddlers sharing the water with jet boats should factor this into their safety planning.

Water levels and clarity are influenced by rainfall. Accounts note that paddling conditions on nearby rivers improve a few days after heavy rain when flows return to a clear, medium-low level, suggesting the Makarora similarly runs clearest in settled weather. The river valley is described as remote and visually striking, with the Southern Alps rising steeply on either side and lush bush lining the banks. Guided rafting and inflatable kayaking trips on the Makarora are available commercially, typically including transport from Wanaka or Queenstown and finishing with a meal on the riverbank.