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east cape
‘Escape’ to the North
Island’s exciting East Cape region for the thrill of
whitewater adventure.
It’s New Zealand’s best kept secret - a paradise for
nature lovers with abundant tracts of wilderness, golden beaches,
sparkling lakes and tumbling rivers.
Locals will tell you that this is the ‘Real New
Zealand’ - the way it used to be. East Cape is the first
place in the world to greet the morning sun. Here is a treasure
trove of Maori tradition, including Mt Hikurangi, the highest
non-volcanic mountain in New Zealand.
Here too is the ‘Mighty Motu’. Our first gazetted Wild
and Scenic River. The Motu River rafting trip is our premier
whitewater wilderness journey in the North Island. It winds 100
km through remote, mountainous country in the Raukumara Range.
Commercial rafting companies based in Rotorua and Auckland run 3
- 4 day expeditions on the Motu. The scenery in the gorges is
breathtaking and the feeling of remoteness and isolation here is
tangible. Rare birds such as the kokako, blue duck, kaka,
parakeet, kiwi and falcon can be seen or heard.
The put in is on Waitangirua Station below Motu Falls, which is
reached via Matawai on S.H.2. The take out is below the bridge on
the Pacific Coast Highway. Summer time is recommended for a
multi-day trip, when Grade 3 water can be expected. Flood
conditions can boost the level of difficulty to Grade 4 or 5.
The Waioeka River runs alongside S.H.2 (Opotiki to Gisborne) for
some distance offering pleasant Grade 1 - 2 rapids. The put in is
at Wairata, and just below the Wairata Stream junction is
Hell’s Gate, a long rapid that can reach Grade 4 in high
flows and drops 2 metres. Below Hell’s Gate the river runs
in a consistent flow over a shingle bed and is ideal water for
beginners. Take out before the settlement of Matahanea. The Lower
Waioeka is picturesque with virgin bush lining the river and
clear trout pools at intervals.
Take time to discover the beauty and peace of this very remote
region. East Cape has many hidden treasures in the remote valleys
of the Raukumaras.
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