 The upper valley localities are particularly isolated, Ngamatapouri Primary School being 47 km from Waitotara village.The Waitotara River is the home to Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, a local Māori iwi.Hapu include Ngaa Ariki (Waipapa Marae), Ngaati Pourua (Takirau Marae), Ngaati Hinewaiata te hapu o Te Ihupuku Marae, Ngaati Hou Tipua (Whare Tapapa, Kaipo Marae).