Cromel Stream (II/III)

Long day or overnighter: good approach routes to a fun grade III gorge and grade II lower section.

Northern Southland.

Poulter River (I/II) via Casey Saddle

An ‘almost-loop’ trip through Arthurs Pass mountains and braided river valleys. There are a few options for paddling the Poulter, including continuing on down the Waimakariri Gorge. Thanks to Michael Batchelor for the information and photos to make up this trip page. Haydn Deane posted a great video of the Poulter-Waimak Gorge option on vimeo…

Takaka River (II or III) powerhouse to the bridge

This is a roadside run, which is dam controlled and very popular with all paddlers. Access Leave a car (or bikes) at the new road bridge on the Cobb valley road and drive up to the power station. Easiest to get in on the left fork assuming the turbines are all running. View Larger Topographic…

Aorere River (II) Salisbury Falls Gorge

The crystal clear Aorere cuts through the epic rock gorge at Salisbury falls, which is Takaka’s biggest and busiest swimming hole. The gorge itself runs for a few km each side of the tourist area and in low flows is an easy and spectacular trip, suitable for confident beginners. This is a short and sweet…

Hunter River (II-)

2 days hike, 1-2 days paddle.

Remote and scenic headwaters, in a seldom visited valley | Otago.

Upper Nevis River (I/III)

Roadside grade III in Otago Highcountry, with two day’s worth of paddling, hiking and biking on offer.

Needs rain to be runnable.