| Hātea River | |
| Mouth Location: | Whangārei Harbour |
| Subdivision Type1: | Country |
| Subdivision Name1: | New Zealand |
The Hātea River is a river of New Zealand. It flows from the north-east of Whangārei southwards and into the northern head of Whangārei Harbour.[1] Its lower length forms the eastern boundary of the city. The banks along the lower reaches are parks and bushland[2] with a series of metalled walks suitable for all weathers.[3]
At Whangārei Falls near Tikipunga, the Hātea River drops over a basalt lava flow. The falls, originally known as Otuihau, have been a picnic spot since at least the 1890s.[4]
The spelling of the river's name was amended from Hatea to Hātea by the New Zealand Geographic Board in 2007.[5]