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mid westland
Towering peaks, dense rainforest and broad
coastal plains dotted with exquisite kayaking lakes like Brunner,
Kaniere and Ianthe (remnants of the Ice Age) characterise mid
Westland.
A profusion of short, fast-flowing rivers dive off the
precipitous slopes of the Southern Alps and spread into terraces
and flood plains.
Greymouth and Hokitika nestle on the banks of two of these
flood-prone rivers. Both towns make an excellent base for
accessing the untamed gorges, limestone caves, glow worm grottos,
coastal lagoons, shimmering lakes and rumbling rivers.
The mighty Grey River has a four hour rafting trip through scenic
gorges with a backdrop of mountain scenery. This is a fairly
technical Grade 3 - 4, full-on float trip, which can be arranged
with rafting operators based in Murchison.
The Upper Hokitika River gorge offers an epic heli-kayak
experience for expert paddlers. Commercial rafting companies
based in Murchison and Peel Forest (Canterbury) offer a Grade 4 -
5, one day heli-rafting trip into the remarkably rugged and
isolated Hokitika, as well as a Grade 3 - 5 trip to the Whitcombe
River, a major tributary. Both day trips are sensational in terms
of the quality of the landscapes and awesome rapids. The
Whitcombe often needs scouting and portaging in higher than
normal flows. ‘Collier’s Gorge’, ‘The
Crux’ and the long ‘S-bend’ rapid will be fixed in
your memory long after the big day. These raging rivers are not
for the faint hearted.
The Mikonui River flows over shingle flats south of Ross. With
moderate rainfall good Grade 2 kayaking can be enjoyed putting in
at Gribben Flat.
After a day out on the river, Hokitika provides every home
comfort. Take time to inspect the inspirational work of local
craftspeople, artists, sculptors and jewellers. There are
numerous galleries and retail outlets including fascinating
greenstone (jade) displays.
You will leave Westland with lasting memories of scenic splendour
and wicked whitewater.
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