The Rauoterangi Channel is the stretch of coastal water separating Kapiti Island from the mainland of New Zealand's North Island, roughly between Paekākāriki and Waikanae. This channel is a significant coastal paddling route, named in honour of the historic 11km swim by Kahe Te Rau-o-te-rangi. For paddlers, the channel offers a relatively protected route when compared to the open Tasman Sea west of Kapiti Island. A practical long-distance route runs from Pukerua Bay, following the coastline north past Raumati Beach, through the Rauoterangi Channel, and continuing beyond the northern tip of Kapiti Island to beaches like Ōtaki and Waikawa. Key public access points for launching or landing along this route include Pukerua Bay, Raumati Beach, and Ōtaki Beach, with roadside lay-bys providing potential support vehicle stops.

Tidal currents are a primary consideration for trip planning. Paddlers report experiencing an ebb flow working against them while transiting the channel, indicating that timing a paddle to coincide with a flooding (incoming) tide is advantageous for northbound travel. The channel's position in the lee of Kapiti Island often provides calm, flat sea conditions, a sharp contrast to the reasonable swell and occasional large wave sets encountered immediately north of the island where the open coast exposure begins. This makes the channel itself a comparatively sheltered section, though wind against tide conditions can still create challenging chop. The coastline within the channel is characterized by sandy beaches and proximity to State Highway 1. Hazards include the need for careful navigation to account for current drift, with one account noting a miscalculation requiring a strenuous paddle back up-current along a reef. The area is also known for its kelp beds and reefs, which can be navigation hazards at low tide but also indicate a healthy marine ecosystem. Water depth at stream mouths like Waikawa can be very shallow at low tide, complicating landings.