For Ngāti Kurumōkihi, the Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve (the Reserve) and environs are integral to the distinct identity and mana of the Hapū. The importance of the Reserve derives from its position high along the eastern slopes of the Maungaharuru Range (Maungaharuru) within the Ahu-o-te-Atua (formerly named Ahuateatua) and Tarapōnui-a-Kawhea (as it is known to the Hapū, the official name is Taraponui) areas of Maungaharuru, and its proximity to Lake Opouahi. The Waikoau River and Boundary Stream flow within the Reserve, and Shine Falls is located in the eastern part of the Reserve.

The Reserve is one of the few areas of remnant and regenerating native ngahere (forest) on Maungaharuru. It is located in moderate to steep terrain at varying altitudes of 300 to 980 metres above sea level. Consequently, the ngahere has a range of vegetation. It has a heavy forest cover of tawa, tītoki and rewarewa. Other tree species include tawhairauriki (black beech), kāpuka, pāpāuma, kāmahi, kānuka (white tea-tree), tawhairaunui (red beech), kōwhai, mamaku (black tree fern), ponga (silver tree fern), maire, kahikatea (white pine), rimu (red pine), mataī (black pine) and tōtara. The rare and nationally significant ngutu-kākā (kākā beak) has also been found in the reserve in recent times. The ngahere provided the ideal habitat for a large number of native birds including huia (before it became extinct), kiwi, kārearea (native falcon), kākā (native parrot), kererū (native pigeon), koekoeā (long-tailed cuckoo) and tūī (parson bird). Many of these taonga (treasures) were harvested for a range of uses, including kai (food), rongoā (medicinal plants), clothing (including feathers for decorating garments and personal adornments), building materials, trade and gifting.

The Hapū have cultural, spiritual, traditional and historic associations with the Reserve and its environs, its waters, associated land and flora and fauna. The Hapū have a responsibility as kaitiaki (guardians) in accordance with their kawa (rules) and tikanga (customs) to restore, protect and manage all those natural and historic resources and sites. This relationship is as important to present day whānau (families) as it was to their tīpuna (ancestors). The continued recognition of the Hapū, their identity, traditions and status as kaitiaki is entwined with Maungaharuru, including the Reserve and associated resources.