Cromel Stream (II/III)

Long day or overnighter: good approach routes to a fun grade III gorge and grade II lower section.

Northern Southland.

Waiau Toa – Clarence River II/III

From Hugh Canard’s Guide to the Clarence/Waiau-Toa – Updated Jan 2022 This is one of the few long rivers of the narrow mountainous islands of New Zealand.   It offers fabulous scenery, edible wildlife, and no highways or bridges, and a near-wilderness experience.  It has amazing geology and is a living laboratory of the influence of…

Poulter River (I/II) via Casey Saddle

An ‘almost-loop’ trip through Arthurs Pass mountains and braided river valleys. There are a few options for paddling the Poulter, including continuing on down the Waimakariri Gorge. Thanks to Michael Batchelor for the information and photos to make up this trip page. Haydn Deane posted a great video of the Poulter-Waimak Gorge option on vimeo…

Takaka River (II or III) powerhouse to the bridge

This is a roadside run, which is dam controlled and very popular with all paddlers. Access Leave a car (or bikes) at the new road bridge on the Cobb valley road and drive up to the power station. Easiest to get in on the left fork assuming the turbines are all running. View Larger Topographic…

Aorere River (II) Salisbury Falls Gorge

The crystal clear Aorere cuts through the epic rock gorge at Salisbury falls, which is Takaka’s biggest and busiest swimming hole. The gorge itself runs for a few km each side of the tourist area and is an easy and spectacular trip, suitable for confident beginners. This is a short and sweet car-shuttle run, which…

Maruia River (II+) Boundary Road to Shenandoah Stream

The Maruia is a very pleasant and scenic float that is mostly Class II. There is a Class III rapid in the middle of the run and there are a few Class II+ depending on flow. It’s an easy run as anything above Class II is easily portaged. You don’t need 2 days to complete…

Hunter River (II-)

2 days hike, 1-2 days paddle.

Remote and scenic headwaters, in a seldom visited valley | Otago.

The Rangitikei Canyon (II/II+) River Valley Lodge to Vinegar Hill

The headwaters of the Rangitikei run through the Kaimanawa Range, offering a classic and challenging wilderness multiday trip. A while after crossing State Highway 5 (The Napier-Taihape road) there is a short, sharp class V gorge that ends at River Valley Lodge.    The “Rangitikei Canyon” begins here, and offers a very scenic 2-4 day…

Broken River (II/III) with portages

Curious geology is the highlight of this run: that and the caves, gorges and fence hazards. Information on the Porter River (II with mandatory portage) is included at the end of this page as it looks like an enticing ‘no walk’ option. However, there are fences, nasty sieves and a mandatory portage. View Larger Topographic…

Paringa River (II/III+)

Overnight out and return with route finding and a great hut. Put in where it suits your skills and the flows.
South Westland

Fox River (II)

Day or overnight out and return, through spectacular limestone canyons, with mellow paddling.

Paparoa National Park, Westland

Rangitaiki: Aniwhenua run(II)

The Rangitaiki is the longest river in the Bay of Plenty. The Aniwhenua is a great beginner trip, or just a cool spot to play around with some good mates. There are quite a few surf waves and eddy lines to practice up your skills on. Many kayak clubs use this as a skills building…

Raukokore River (II)

The Raukokore from Te Kumi Station is a pleasant Grade I-II trip in the East Cape Raukumara Ranges with a wilderness feel. It can be done in a long day or split over two. Description and photos Stu Bilby. Put in Put in on the Waikura River on Te Kumi Road. Usually near the road…