The Aorere River is in the Tasman District of the South Island of New Zealand that flows from headwaters in the alpine regions of the Kahurangi National Park. It has a catchment area of 573 km2 (221 sq mi), representing around 11% of the total area of Kahurangi National Park. The river flows generally northwards for 40 km (25 mi) before draining into Golden Bay at the town of Collingwood. The Heaphy Track's northeastern end is in the upper valley of the Aorere.[2][3]
The heaviest storm in 150 years hit the area on 28 December 2010. Two bridges were swept away, including the historic and recently restored Salisbury Swing Bridge.[4]