The Waihohonu has been paddled from well above the road, but this short section between roads provides a good flavour of the river.

Waihohonu between the SH1 (Desert Rd) is a short and sharp gorge trip through to Rangipo Road . There are two sections that are portages for most paddlers – be well acquainted with the locations!

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. These can be portaged by those who aren’t class IV paddlers.

The first drop is sometimes run is narrow (2.6m) and requires a strong boof. The second chasm (Class IV) has a retentive hydraulic to watch out for.

The portages are both quite challenging! Portage pins are approximate – First time down, it is strongly recommended to 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!