A put-in for the Wairoa River is located at McLaren Falls, accessed by driving to the falls, crossing the bridge, and turning hard left by the old powerhouse to park up a gravel track. The river flows into the southern end of Tasman Bay near Richmond. For paddlers seeking an extended wilderness trip, the best section is a multi-day run requiring full self-sufficiency, as there are no towns, roads, or bridges along the route; this can be a 3-day trip if utilizing backcountry huts or a 5-day journey without them. The overall character is that of a remote, backcountry river. The Tasman District Council lists the Wairoa among rivers where water sports occur, indicating it is used for paddling activities.