Aaruka marae is located below the Kaawhia harbour, 67 km west of Ootorohanga, on the edge of Lake Taharoa and close to the west coast. The primary hapuu for Aaruka marae is Ngaati Mahuta of the Waikato confederation.

The whare tupuna is Taharoa. The marae connects ancestrally to the Tainui waka, the awa Mitiwai, the moana Kaawhia and the maunga Orangiwhao.