The Owaka River flows southeastward through The Catlins, an area of the southern South Island of New Zealand. Its total length is 30 kilometres (19 mi), and it shares the estuary of the Catlins River, flowing into the Pacific Ocean at Pounawea, 28 kilometres (17 mi) south of Balclutha. Its source is on the slopes of Mt Rosebery, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south of Clinton.
The small town of Owaka is situated close to the south bank of the river.
Coordinates: 46°28′S 169°42′E / 46.467°S 169.700°E