Another GY gem of a paddle with beautiful crystal blue pools, cool boulder formations and beech lined forest, along with sensational views of the Humboldt Mountain range and Mount Earnslaw.

Thank you to Alan Swann for the information for this trip page.

The Routeburn river has always looked like it fitted into the `too scary` or `too hard` box for the majority of packrafters. It does hold a grade of class IV-V in the Graham Charles NZ Whitewater guidebook, pg 266. However while scouting this run from the Routeburn bridge down to the Lake Sylvan bridge it was noticed that from Weka Flat it was much more feasible as a classic grade II+ run. It is short, 2-3km, but very sweet. We headed in the next day after scouting and were blown away with the enjoyment this little section of river gave.

It is vital to understand that it only runs at grade II+ in low flows from Weka Flat down, with one easy portage, mid run. The portaged section is grade III+(low flow).

Above Weka Flat the river is a Grade III run from the 90deg right hand bend in the river, 400m South of point 646m on the topo map. (Enter here from Weka Flat, not the Roteburn bridge.)

Above the bend the river is class IV-V in normal kayaking flows.

In that respect the trip is written with the thought process of a class II paddler in mind running from Weka Flat down at generally low flows.

At low flows the river is either classic grade II wave train rapids or technical movement, at class II+, around and through boulder gardens. 

Check river gauge info at the base of this report.

DRIVE TO START –

It’s a 30min drive from GY (Glenorchy) to the DOC carpark and campground for the Lake Sylvan tramp, turn right for Sylvan 3km before the start of the Routeburn track and head to the campground. It is a great place to camp the night before if your not from the area. This is a very popular tramp in the summer months and its often possible to easily hitch there and back from GY. However, as of Sept23 the swingbridge accessing the track was destroyed in a flood and is still waiting repair at Nov24.

THE TRAMP IN –

There are two options to the `put in`at Weka Flat:

The best way is to take a short 2km tramp through bush and over tussock flats along the fishermans track on river right, which follows an obvious path to begin but becomes steeper with denser bush and a less defined track for 10mins while you pass the small gorge, follow the pink trapline markers in the trees as these take the best route. Just as you feel your off route you will see Weka Flat and an easy hike on the flats. If you want to hit the class 3 upper section, continue up to the bend below point 646m on the topo .

The second and easier route is slightly longer and less scenic, 3km, back along the road and turn right towards the Routeburn start and at the Weka flat sign head down through the bush to the river.

ON THE WATER –

The river has several characters along its track and provides some great lines through the boulders. Check out the pictures below, they speak a thousand words. Scouting rapids for trees is vital in the main rapids, the river is prone to this hazard. There was however one tree that we had to portage over in low flow (check the pics). If in doubt, give it a scout.

Starting at the Western / upstream end of Weka Flat the river in low flow is tight to begin and flows along the left bank with ease and diverts onto the right bank just below Weka Flat. There are slightly steeper sections with class II paddling along this section. Then the river starts to tighten and drops through larger boulders, which makes for some great slightly more technical on rock garden rapid through 3 gaps through the boulders.

200m down stream the trees tighten on the horizon into one mass and the river steepens with the largest rapid running into a stunning pool, then the river steepens with a 3 definitive drop rapid over the next 200m. These drops are roughly 1m in size and are great for a capable team, grade 3+. Note this section is however easily portaged on river right.

The river then runs into an easy and beautiful flat gorge, but in April20 had a large tree hazard bank to bank at its start. This necessitate`s an easy climb over in low flow.

The rest of the river is then generally easier class I or II with one main continous rapid a few hundred metres before the bridge.

Exit at the bridge or continue for another 1.5k to the Dart and exit at the confluence and walk across the paddocks directly back to the car. Permission required from Stu Percy at the Routeburn Station to tramp back on this final section.

GAUGE –

Visual. At the takeout, if the river covers about a third to a half of the river bed, then this is ideal for a low level class II run. If the river is bank to bank it maybe too high but ideal for more experienced paddlers and conversely if you couldn`t paddle downstream from the bridge its maybe too low. If your not sure drive to Weka Flat and have a look downstream from the river bank.

Closest flow gauge: Dart River at Hillocks.

Median flow on the Dart gauge is 45-55 cumec, although it is a different catchment and much bigger it does give some indication to flow levels in the greater GY area. If the Dart is at median 50 ish flow to 100, there is a good chance the Routeburn flow will be fine. If the Dart is running at 150+ then some caution may be required. At 200+ then its maybe best to wait it out.