The D'Urville River is located within Nelson Lakes National Park in New Zealand's South Island and is accessible via the Lake Rotoroa water taxi, which costs NZ$40. From there, paddlers typically combine the D'Urville with nearby rivers such as the Sabine, using the hut network as a base. The Upper D'Urville Bivvy, described as one of the smallest huts in the area at less than four square meters, marks the upper reaches of the river near D'Urville Saddle. Hut passes are required for overnight stays in the park.

The river runs at Class II overall, with one Class III section. A significant mandatory portage exists around a large tunnel cut through solid rock — this is a critical hazard that all paddlers must be aware of and cannot be run. The river is suitable for packrafting and has been used in classic wilderness travel style, with parties hiking in over passes to the south before floating downstream with full packs.

The character of the D'Urville is generally relaxed and enjoyable, with the Class II gradient providing a fun, low-stress float through a beech forest valley with a backdrop of snowy peaks. The water is notably clear, with large brown trout visible in the river — the area attracts fly fishers, and paddlers should expect to share the valley with fishing parties staying in the huts.

A recommended approach is to take the Lake Rotoroa water taxi and spend approximately four days in the area, using the D'Urville as a day trip from a hut base. This allows paddlers to also access the nearby Sabine River, which is considered a more technically demanding and highly regarded run in the same drainage. Bringing around four days of food is suggested for this style of trip.