Paddlers Paradise: Kayaking New Zealand
Kayaking in New Zealand with Water By Nature Ltd
Highlights
- Spectacular paddling on a wide variety of rivers and rapids
- Helicopter flights to remote put-ins treat you to breathtaking scenery
- Camp next to crystal clear rivers and stunning glaciers
Full Description
This is far more than just a paddling holiday, this is an expeditionary journey around a land celebrated for its beauty. Prepare to exceed your expectations.
New Zealand is not only Lord of The Rings country, it has an unrivalled number of rivers to suit the Class 3+ /4- kayaker. From the blinding run through the Buller Gorge to heliboating on the West Coast, this trip has something for all levels of paddler. You will be accompanied by world class kayakers JJ Shephard, Mike Abbott and Koryn Gould. What these lads don't know about Kiwi rivers isn't worth knowing. Before they paddled extensively around the world, their back yard was their adventure playground. Let them share with you their experience and passion for the river in a fun and safe environment. Prepare to exceed all your own expectations.
Includes:
- Transfers to and from Christchurch International Airport and throughout the South Island on our
"Boater Bus" - Accommodation on days nine through to thirteen, in a tourist hotel or lodge
- All transfers to and from the river
- Helicopter shuttles into at least three rivers
- All meals from lunch on day one to dinner on day nine. On days ten and eleven breakfast and
lunch are included but dinner is your choice from the vast array of restaurants on offer. On day
twelve only breakfast is included and from day thirteen through to breakfast on day fourteen all
meals are inclusive - All necessary kayaking equipment
- All camping equipment excluding sleeping bags
- Fully NZRGA qualified, experienced kayak instructors
- All necessary permits and licenses from the New Zealand Government
- A cool Water By Nature T-shirt
Excludes:
- Flights
- Visas
- Departure taxes
- Travel insurance
- Inoculations
- Sleeping
- Bags
- Video
- Dvd of your trip
- Alcohol
- Personal items
- Meals in town
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
On arrival at Christchurch airport you will be met by your kayak instructors, your gear packed onto the waiting vehicles and after a little sight seeing in town we will head north towards the Hurunui River. At Jollie Brook camp, over a few glasses of wine and some nibbles, we will explain in a little more detail what lies ahead on your journey into the wilds of New Zealand. A hearty evening meal is prepared to prime you for your first day on the river tomorrow.
Included: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
A leisurely start for your first morning. The Hurunui has some fun sections to warm up your muscles. Traditionally we will paddle the Hawarden Gorge and the Maori Gully, although there are several great sections to choose from. Rewarding rapids such as "The Cauldron", "Devils' Elbow" and "Magic Roundabout", should provide you with a pretty all round work out. No doubt after finally getting on the water, the evening will begin to bring out those old campfire river stories!
Day 3
We take a scenic drive up the coast to Kaikoura and, time permitting, a chance to take a trip out whale watching or to swim with the dolphins. We should arrive on the Buller River by the afternoon in time to paddle the “Doctors Creek” section, an excellent Class II and III white water run. We will base here at Murchison for the next 2 nights.
Not Included: Whale watching, dolphin swimming
Day 4
"Egg's Benedict" for breakfast this morning, just one of our guide's specialities. We have so many sections to choose from & normally we run the lot. With great play sections such as "Earthquake", "Gravity", and "O'Sullivan's" there will be plenty of entertainment. After snacks & dinner back at camp there will also be time to head out on the balmy evenings & paddle the Matakitaki or Glenroy before bed.
Day 5
After breakfast we head away on the gorgeous drive through the Buller Gorge to Westport & your first glimpse of the Tasman Sea & the West Coast. As we drive south we will pass by the spectacular Punakaiki Rocks in the Paparoa National Park. This amazing natural phenomenon with its layer upon layer of limestone sheets is slowly being eroded by the power of the sea & creating huge blowholes best viewed at high tide with a strong sea swell. We stop for a quick coffee or an ice cream before continuing down the coast, past Greymouth to the Lake Mahinapua campground; World famous in New Zealand for its great range of beers.
Day 6
The morning brings high excitement as our helicopter arrives to fly us into the Whataroa River, (pronounced Fot-a-roa) and one of the best kayak runs on the West Coast. The bird's eye views are breathtaking as you fly over the magnificent mountains and canyons that you will later be paddling through. With no road access you will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of New Zealand's native bush undisturbed and delight in the best paddling you can find anywhere. This is river running "Kiwi Style."
Day 7
Our day begins with another thrilling helicopter flight into the magnificent Hokitika River, you will begin to feel like you are starring in your very own Bond Movie. The fantastic Class IV rapids in the midst of clear emerald waters, through some dramatic limestone canyons, make this a much-celebrated section of river. After a well earned drink at the Mahinapua Pub we will board our “Boaters Bus” once more to continue our journey south to Lake Paringa, our camp for the night.
Day 8
After a filling breakfast we will make our way up to Clarks Point to meet our helicopter, which will ferry us, and our equipment, into the Landsborough River for our first New Zealand multi-day. On a clear day we can see Mount Deacon and the spectacular glaciers surrounding it. We set up camp in the most stunning setting you will ever find. This is wilderness paddling at its best.
Day 9
Watching the sunrise in this part of the world is gorgeous. As the sun lights up the surrounding mountains be sure to take the time to soak up the tranquillity of New Zealand's natural landscapes. The lads will prepare you a hearty cooked breakfast before we pack up our gear raft and put on the river. There are some amazing rapids today including the infamous "Hellfire" and plenty of play spots along the way. As we pull into camp for the night you can also try your hand at fishing for Rainbow Trout. No doubt by this evening the river stories around the campfire will go on well into the night.
Included: All meals Day 2-9
Day 10
We take the opportunity to enjoy a floating breakfast this morning alongside the gear raft to our take out and our waiting vehicle for the scenic drive back to Queenstown. Along the way we will stop in the scenic resort of Wanaka for lunch, before visiting the oldest hotel in New Zealand at Cardrona and finally reaching our hotel for the night. There are some great restaurants to explore in Queenstown.
Day 11
After a relaxed start to the day we will paddle the fun, medium volume, Kawerua River, the only river to come out of Lake Wakatipu. This takes us over Smiths Falls and underneath the bridge, world famous for people throwing themselves off, the original 47 meter A.J Hackett bungy bridge. A few more rapids and we reach the roar of "Dog Leg", a fun 400 meter Class IV bouncy wave train. A sumptuous lunch of cold meats, salads and drinks before we head off to paddle the "Roaring Meg" section. A powerful release of water from a still functioning 1930’s power station, gives rise to a classic section of big volume Class III+ IV white water of which “Terminator” is often the highlight. We are back at the hotel by the evening for a meal out in town.
Included: Breakfast and Lunch Day 10-11
Day 12
We offer you a rest day today so you can take in the sights this great town. Queenstown has so much to offer and the guides will be happy to book you in on any of the excursions. From a scenic paragliding flight to a blast down the river on the World famous Shotover Jet you will be spoilt for choice. Or take a more leisurely trip by paddle steamer out to the high country sheep station (ranch) at Walter Peak.
Included: Breakfast
Day 13
We make an early start this morning for the scenic drive up towards Geraldine. En route we pass by Mount Cook, which, weather permitting, should give us some fantastic opportunities for photos. Today we take on the best big water run in the country, on the Rangitata River, featuring amazing Grade IV rapids such as Pig's Trough" and "The Pinch" to name just some of the highlights. And what better way to finish this magic paddling trip around New Zealand than with a good ol' Kiwi barbeque. Overnight in a gorgeous lodge as the sun sets on your paddling adventure.
Included: All meals
Day 14
We drive to Christchurch for your return flights home.
Included: Breakfast
About The Operator:
Water By Nature Ltd
Headquarters:
Denver, Colorado
Water By Nature grew out of a passion for running rivers and taking a bunch of like-minded people to remote and exciting parts of the world. It was founded by kiwi, Hamish McMaster, who had spent many years guiding the best rivers around the globe, in such countries as Nepal, Zambia, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, America and Europe. His vision was to start a company dedicated to providing safe, fun, exciting and cultural trips for clients and guides alike. He leads a team of world-renowned river professionals, who have helped him to realize this vision. Water By Nature is now the rafting specialist of the world. Our classic river journeys stand alongside climbing Kilimanjaro and trekking the Inca Trail in their appeal to the most avid adventurers. Our palette of river journeys reflect that we raft the best rivers in the world, and with 80% of our clients returning for a second trip, we must be doing something right! Many clients have expressed their amazement that a river journey entails so much more than just the river. Rafting has long been plagued by the myth that it is dangerous, extreme and only for adrenaline junkies. Rafting is our profession, so we take it seriously. We are serious about safety, about good food, good times and serious about fun! We offer trips to suit all ages and abilities - it is not about fitness, it is about fun. Our youngest client to date was 6 years old, and our most mature was a 73 year old blind chap, who did a 7-day Zambezi trip! (He was not into the scenery, but loved getting wet).
Experience
Our office staff will be able to answer all your questions, whether it be about visas, flights or hippos. Our river crews have a level of experience that is unmatched in the white water industry. They will navigate you safely down the river, and fill you with knowledge of wildlife and local customs. They will also keep you amused with a few river stories from their years exploring the world.