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manawatu/wairarapa
The lower North Island is characterised by
prosperous farming along the western coastal plains and the
expansive hill country sheep stations on the Wairarapa Coast.
Numerous rivers flow out of the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges that
form part of the rugged backbone of the North Island. They flow
swiftly across the fertile alluvial plains and act as a big
drawcard for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Manawatu River bisects the two mountain ranges flowing
eastwards and carrying a myriad of thrill-seekers on rafts,
kayaks, canoes and jet boats through the Gorge between Woodhill
and the bright city life of Palmerston North.
The Rangitikei River whitewater run from Matawhero Road (on the
Napier-Taihape Road) down to the quarry at Pukeokahu is rated as
one of the top ten North Island whitewater trips. It is a Grade 4
- 5 world class adventure with awesome scenery, crystal clear
trout pools and jaw dropping rapids like The Arch, Max’s
Drop, Dogleg and Fulcrum. Commercial rafting companies based in
Taihape are ready to introduce you to this superb whitewater
entertainment.
The Whangaehu River is also counted among the top ten North
Island trips. The upper reaches remain unpredictable as they flow
from the Mt Ruapehu crater lake. The normal put in is at the
bridge where Mangaehuehu Stream enters the river. The first
stretch requires rainfall for its continuous set of lively rapids
to perform well. The most popular run is the outstanding section
from Tokiahuru Stream to Collier’s Bridge. With above
average flows the rapids are Grade 3 - 4 with tight, big boulder
chutes and drops. The take out is where Field’s Track meets
Whangaehu Valley Road.
The Hutt River offers Grade 3 water with above average flows. The
put in is the Kaitoke dam and the take out is at Te Marua on
S.H.2.
Further up the west coast Otaki River gorge can generate tension
and excitement with the sound and motion of its unpredictable
Grade 2 rapids. The put in is at the end of the access road and
the take out at the main highway. Commercial rafting operators
are based in Lower Hutt.
If you yearn for the sound of distant rapids, and the strident
cry ‘Hold On’ as you plunge into a frenzied flurry of
whitewater, then there’s excitement aplenty just north of
our Capital City.
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