| Whataroa River | |
| Pushpin Map: | New Zealand West Coast |
| Subdivision Type1: | District |
| Subdivision Name1: | Westland District |
| Subdivision Type2: | Region |
| Subdivision Name2: | West Coast Region |
| Subdivision Type3: | Country |
| Subdivision Name3: | New Zealand |
| Mouth Location: | Tasman Sea |
| Mouth Coordinates: | -43.1167°N 185°W |
| Tributaries Left: | Butler River, Perth River |
| Tributaries Right: | Gunn River |
The Whataroa River, sometimes the Wataroa River, is a river in the southern West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island.[1] Its source is in the Southern Alps and it flows north and northwest, passing the township of Whataroa on the eastern side before reaching the Tasman Sea just south of Abut Head. The river is fed by many tributaries, such as the Perth River, and is crossed by on its route between Whataroa and Te Taho.
Whitewater rafting takes place on the river as an adventure tourism activity.[2] Access to the upper reaches of the river for rafting is either via hiking or helicopter. The river also flows through areas used for tramping and climbing.[3]