The Gouritz River (also spelled Gourits) flows through the Little Karoo and Southern Cape region of South Africa, eventually meeting the Indian Ocean at the small coastal town of Gouritsmond, situated between Still Bay and Mossel Bay. The river is formed by the confluence of the Gamka and Olifants rivers near Herbertsdale, and offers several distinct paddling sections ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 4.

A popular one-day section runs from Cloete's Pass, accessed via a dirt road on the far side of Herbertsdale, to a tar road bridge close to Herbertsdale. This stretch is rated Grade 3–4 and features high-volume rapids and play waves, making it well suited to a playboat. Portages are straightforward, allowing paddlers to re-run rapids multiple times. While the section can be completed in roughly an hour if paddled straight through, a half-day is recommended to make the most of the drive out. Camping is available near the largest rapid on this section.

A multi-day option involves paddling the Olifants Gorge into the Gouritz, starting at the Calitzdorp Spa bridge over the Olifants River. This Grade 2–3 route passes through dramatic gorge scenery before the river opens up at its confluence with the Gamka, and can be completed in approximately two days to the Herbertsdale tar road bridge. The scenery throughout this corridor is described as breathtaking, with the gorge character similar to the upper Gamka section through the Swartberg mountains.

The river supports a variety of fish species including smallmouth yellowfish, Mozambique tilapia, banded tilapia, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Wildlife along the river includes fish eagles, kingfishers, and klipspringer. The upper reaches of the river are relatively narrow with rocks, logs, and sticks presenting obstacles in the channel.

At Gouritsmond, the river mouth is used for fishing, boat skiing, and canoeing, and the broader coastline offers surfing and whale watching, particularly from June to November.