The Waingawa River is located in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand's North Island, flowing toward Masterton and eventually joining the Ruamāhanga River. The run is characterized by wave features, making it particularly appealing for playboating, especially at higher flows around 20 cumecs.

The recommended minimum flow is above 6 cumecs, measured at the Kaituna gauge, which needs to read over 700 mm. Flow information is available online and via a hydroline phone service (083 220-669, press button 9 to fast forward) covering Waiohine, Waingawa, and Ruamāhanga rivers.

The standard put-in is at the end of Upper Waingawa Road. An alternative upper put-in is accessible via a farm road that forms part of the Mitre Flats track, though this requires prior permission from landowner Chris Tonask (027 923 4390). The standard take-out is on river left, just a few metres downstream of the confluence with the Atiwhakatau River, immediately below the Masterton water supply pipe that crosses the river. A short 10-metre track leads up a slope to the road, and the take-out is located directly opposite 114 Upper Waingawa Road. Additional take-outs are possible further downstream, including floating all the way into Masterton.

Regarding regulations, a 5-knot (9.3 km/h) speed limit applies to the Waingawa River between State Highway 2 and the Ruamāhanga River from 1 October to 14 May each year. Outside this seasonal window, travel at any speed that is safe for conditions is permitted in that lower section.