The Waihohonu is a short and sharp gorge trip off the Desert Road . There are 2 compulsory portages – be well acquainted with the locations!

It is a short fun filled run down to the intake for the Tongariro power scheme. It is spring fed but best in the warmer months after rain.

The put-in is on SH1 beneath the Waihohonu Stream bridge (35km south of Turangi). The take out is down a short side road off Rangipo Intake Road.

The swift stream starts out as Class II and gradually intensifies to Class III culminating in a couple of tight chasm rapids that are portaged. The first drop is sometimes run by very experienced paddlers it is narrow (2.6m) and requires a strong boof. The second chasm (Class IV) is a compulsory portage for packrafters (and most kayakers) -it has a retentive hydraulic.

The portages are both quite challenging! Portage pins are approximate – always paddle with someone who knows the run!

Photos by the Tongariro Turbo crew

Starting to pick up in intensity

There are plenty of kayak videos to familiarise with so you recognise the portages. There is also a sign to heed!