The Waikari River is a river of the northern Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It flows generally east through a broad strath from its sources south of Hawarden, gradually veering northeast to reach the Hurunui 20 kilometres (12 mi) southwest of Cheviot. The name Waikari comes from the Maori word wai meaning "water" and kari meaning "dig".

• List of rivers of New Zealand

• "Place name detail: Waikari River". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 12 July 2009.

42°52′41″S 173°2′33″E / 42.87806°S 173.04250°E / -42.87806; 173.04250