This section of the Whakapapa is renowned with kayakers for its annual releases. Release flows allow a kayak day trip. It is a gem of a packraft trip at much lower flows but is much slower and is best done as an overnighter. There are options to enjoy more good paddling past Owhango, down as far as Piriaka.
Most of the flow off Ruapehu is diverted to the Tongariro Power Scheme so it’s best after heavy rain but grade is heavily flow dependant.
It is important to note that there are access issues around the hydro infrastructure, so check with WWNZ for latest information.
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Put-in
Access issues
The Whakapapa intake road is no longer open to the public except on release days. Release flows are too much for most packrafters, so we usually begin on the Whakapapaiti or Whakapapanui tributaries.
The kayaker access situation is delicate at present. Whitewater NZ asks you don’t approach the hydro company asking for permission until a more permanent agreement is reached.
Like much of the central North Island, there are large swathes of private land in and around this trip. Before heading out, it is critical to study the Herenga ā Nuku / Walking Access maps to see where the public land is. For example, all but a small reserve at the put-in is private land, as are areas on the true left bank and around the intake road. Do your homework, and keep to public land when walking, camping, scouting or portaging.
Packrafter approach – Whakapapa ‘iti’ or ‘nui’
If the river is up the Whakapapaiti is a viable but 3km longer alternative start. It is bouncy Class III.
The Whakapapanui option is described below. Bush bash to enter the river below the 11m Matariki Falls. Remember to do your homework on the location of public land!
The carpark is located on SH47 with a layby at a location marked as Mohuia Rapids. Due to vehicle break ins we don’t reccomend leaving a vehicle here – get a friend or commercial shuttle!
Whakapapanui above the 11m waterfall (bush-bash to below waterfall)
Take-out
This section ends near Owhango, at the Ohinetonga Road Bridge, which is also where the 42 Traverse bike ride goes.
Owhango to Pariaka (II/III)
This is a pleasant extension to this section, or a day trip it its own right. Read more about this section on this site.
It starts with nice boulder gardens approaching Class III at times (easily portaged) before easing, after a few km, to Class II all the way to Pariaka (allow 5 hrs)
The take outs are:
- at the end of Te Rena Road Kakahi (7.5km down river from Owhango)
- Pariaka at the Power station by “Blazing Saddles” (canoe outfitters and possible shuttle).
On the River
Once in the Whakapapanui it is bouldery technical paddling/ grovelling/ walking the dog. At the confluence with the Whakapapa-iti, the river becomes the Whakapapa. Here, the volume picks up for 5km before most of the flow is diverted to the Tongariro Power Scheme.
There are oodles of bouldery Class III rapids in the form of boulder-banks, walls and boulder gardens. Some rapids may go Class III+ depending on flow and lots will go Class IV in a fresh. After about 7km below the intake the river swings to the north and continues parallel to SH4. It is 23km from the intake to the first takeout. Due to the amount of scouting and caution required you will need to camp half way. There are a few emergency exits across farmland in this areas but generally you are in an incised gorge through forest.
Boat scout diligently and, where you can’t see clearly, shore scout as required.
The last two rapids at the bridge on the 42 Traverse can be Class IV in higher flows. They are III+ in low flows. Always think about portage if the flow is low enough to expose a lot of bone breaking boulders.
Camping
Remember to do your homework on the location of public lands, and only camp in those locations
Gauge
The gauge is the Whakapapa below intake
It has been scratched down at 3 cumec by keen packrafting trout anglers. A better minimum flow would be 7 cumec. Release flows require a natural flow of 16 cumec and are often called off. A release is too robust for packrafters leave those days for the kayakers.
Flash floods down this catchment are not unlikely so go after rain not during and be very mindful of the forecast.
Options
Whakapaiti
If the river is up the Whakapapaiti is a viable but longer (by 3km) alternative. It is bouncy Class III.