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northland
New Zealand’s subtropical northern
peninsula is nothing less than a water sports paradise.
This natural playground is stunningly beautiful and embraces
1,000 kms of unspoilt coastline, eight glorious harbours and
hundreds of offshore islands. The east coast offers an endless
string of sheltered bays and pristine beaches, separated by
craggy headlands and rock gardens - a great playground for sea
kayaks. The west coast beaches are overlooked by towering sand
dunes that hold back the fury of pounding surf.
Between these two extremes lies a gentle land of rolling hills
and regenerating stands of the venerable kauri tree. This is
primarily kayaking country as the river systems have no chance to
build substantial flows with year round sunny skies and low
rainfall.
The most familiar of the lively little Northland waterways is the
Waitangi River which offers a fun ride through ten Grade 2 rapids
dropping over volcanic lava ledges, and separated by quiet
stretches. The put in is at Puketona Junction on S.H.10 and the
take out follows a 1.5 metre drop into the Lily Pond, before the
river plunges over the Haruru Falls.
The Wairua is the largest river, rising in hill country west of
Hikurangi and traversing a swampy wilderness to join the tidal
Wairoa River near Dargaville. The put in is down a farm track off
Puketitoi Road - where transmission lines cross the river. The
rapids are 2 km downstream and beyond them the river slows to
reach the take out pool, before the Wairua Falls.
Northland’s longest stretch of good technical Grade 3
whitewater is in the Mangakahia River, which also flows into the
Wairoa. The put in is the bridge on the Kaikohe-Donnelly’s
Crossing Road and the exit is onto Waimatenui Road before
reaching Twin Bridges.
All of Northland’s whitewater rapids need above average
flows to perform well. Watch for snags and overhanging willows
and check out the waterfall locations before commencing your run.
If you feel the magnetic pull of sunny Northland, be sure to
follow the circular scenic route known as the Twin Coast
Discovery Highway. Sling a kayak on your roof rack and be on the
look out for boundless opportunities to paddle in sheltered
inlets, placid lakes and rollicking rivers.
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