Add a bit of spice to your Hollyford/Pyke loop
This is a great side trip for suitably skilled and equipped groups who have a spare half day or longer in the Lake McKerrow area.
The Hōkurī is a side creek located close to Hōkurī Hut that offers a short section (~ 2km) of grade II+ / III water with easy access and steeper more demanding rapids higher in the catchment. It needs a little extra water to come to life in summer low flow conditions but is well worth a look.
Thanks to Shane Orchard for the info and pictures.
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Access
Follow the Hollyford Track from Hokuri Hut up to the walkwire bridge. Access the creek and head up the riverbed from there, or otherwise look for some well-formed deer trails in the forest on the true left bank.
On the water
The creek has three sections of different character. If you’re after a shorter trip the lower section offers an accessible and relatively fast round trip. If you have a bit longer it’s worth investigating the upper river which offers much steeper rapids and beautiful scenery with a remote feel.
Lower section (II+/III)
The lower section begins from near the confluence of the Jamestown saddle tributary and the rapids continue down to the lake. Most of the run is through fairly continuous class II/II+ boulder gardens with one steeper class III rapid in lower flows. In higher flows more of this section would likely push into class III.
River character photos – in order as you head further upstream
Once back down at the lake it’s a short paddle back to Hokuri Hut, or you could opt to pack up and walk the track back if the conditions are too rough.
Braided middle section (I/P)
Above the Jamestown saddle confluence a braided section splits the flow into several shallow channels for around a kilometre creating a ‘middle section’ without much paddling on offer. Expect to line your boat through the shallows, or portage depending on flows.
Upper section (III+)
Further up, the valley closes in again and the gradient steepens sharply within a more confined riverbed. The rapids vary from steep boulder bashes to large boulder and bedrock features with numerous drops, all of which can be scoped on the way up. Go as far as time, water, motivation and skills allow… Travel is best through the forest on the true left.
