Like the Waimak Gorge, minus the crowds…
The North Branch Ashburton is a great packrafting run with an easy overnight option. Both Cookies Point and Tribulation huts provide good spots to break up the walk in.
From the confluence at Cookies Point, you’ll drop into a gorge that feels like a compact version of the Waimakariri, minus the crowds and jet boats. The next 10km delivers consistent wave trains, with bluff corners and occasional mid-stream boulders keeping things interesting. There are plenty of eddies to catch and check what’s ahead.
The steady nature of the rapids and good scouting options make this an ideal run for building river running confidence.
Thanks to Peter Joynt and Sam Grummitt for the photos and trip information.
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The shuttle
This is a through-trip: you’ll need either a 35km bike shuttle or a second vehicle to get between road ends.
Walk In
Head up the Rakaia Valley on Double Hill Run Road and park at Redcliffe Stream.
Follow the Redcliff Track, which is a marked DOC track, which follows easements on the edge of private farmland. Please keep to the marked track! From Tribulation Hut (6 bunks) both sides of the valley are public conservation land.
Continue down the Swift River valley, generally following the streambed. We managed to get our packrafts straight on the water after spending the night at Cookies Hut (6 bunks), though it was a bit scrapy in the Swift River down to the North Branch Ashburton confluence.
On the river
At 10-15 cumecs, the North Branch Ashburton delivers continuous Class II paddling, potentially hitting Class III at higher flows >30. The defining feature is non-stop wave trains, with bluff turns adding interest. Small eddies throughout give options for playing and rest stops.
Please note that the land on the true right bank is actually private farmland, and the true left bank becomes private farmland from Campbells Stream. Check out the Herenga ā Nuku Outdoor Access map for the details and behave accordingly.
About 2km before the end of the run, the gorge opens out. Take special care to watch for willow strainers from here down. Exit under the Rakaia Gorge Road and scramble up to the road.
Gauge
North Ashburton River at Old Weir -Environment Canterbury
This run needs decent rain or snow melt for a flow to be worth paddling – aim for 10-30 cumecs.