Maelstrom of Madness
Maelstrom of madness
New Zealand's amazing whitewater
We set out with the task of choosing New Zealand's top five rafting rivers and soon learnt that this is not one for the faint hearted. We found that it is virtually impossible to choose a general top five as there are so many different factors that go into making each river great in its own unique way. So instead we've put together five of New Zealand's top five rivers based on the different experiences you might be looking for around the country.
Kaituna River
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
If you're looking for a hell of a rafting trip combined with great accessibility and a wide range of different operators to choose from then the Kaituna River near Rotorua is what you're after. It's not the longest trip around, lasting approximately 45 minutes, but what it lacks in length it makes up in action. Featuring a seven metre waterfall (the biggest commercially rafted waterfall in the world) and plenty and drops it's no wonder this river is one of the most commercially rafted rivers in NZ. The Kaituna is known as a 'pool drop' river, this means that there are pools of flat water after each drop. This type of river is for those who like adrenaline rushes, but also want breaks in between the excitement.
Intrepid note: A great river for those seeking an adrenaline rush but suitable for anyone comfortable in the water.
Grade V (waterfall)
Perth River
Whataroa, West Coast
30 kms from Aoraki/Mt Cook is one of the gems in NZ's river crown, the Perth River. Located on the West Coast in the Southern Alps the Perth River begins in the terraced icefields of the Rangitata Divide and is joined by multiple tributaries before meeting the Whataroa River. This river is only accessible by helicopter and offers some of the most technical rafting and breathtaking scenery in the country. Different put in points offer different levels of intensity from Grade III - V and even V+ in some hard to reach spots. The river features two gorges with each gorge consisting of about an hour of rocky chute and drops. Many rapids must be scouted and rafted one boat at a time with a safety set up, this is true NZ heli-rafting. This river is not for the faint hearted and any person planning on visiting should expect a challenging day.
Grade V
Intrepid Note: This trip is only suitable for fitter people with a true sense of adventure. You must be confident in water to safely take on this trip.
Rangitikei River
Taihape, Rangitikei
White water on the Rangitikei is up there with the best in NZ and is definitely the best white water experience in the North Island. With 10 major Grade IV-V rapids on the standard 12km run it's no walk in the park, but is suitable for anyone comfortable in the water. The scenery in this area is stunning and features the remote free flowing Rangitikei River as it winds through pristine Beech and Manuka forest, papa rock and greywacke cliffs. This is a half-day trip with Grade V rapids at all flow levels.
Grade III-V
Rangitata River
Ashburton, Canterbury
Flowing 120km southeast from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean you'll discover the Rangitata River, another great NZ rafting destination. One of the key factors in making this a top rafting spot is the fact that it has solid Grade V rapids at all flow levels, making it a consistent and reliable river throughout the whole season. With rapids from Grades I - V it is a great river to learn the ropes as the flatter beginning sections allow time for instruction before reaching the real whitewater where people can apply what they've learnt. The scenery is also world class, Peter Jackson certainly thought so as he used the same mountains as the backdrop for 'Edoras' in The Lord of the Rings. Remote, yet easily accessible (just a 30min drive off the Christchurch - Queenstown highway) this is a great river for any experience level.
Grade III - V
Mokihinui River
West Coast
This mighty river makes it's way into this list as a great all round multi-day adventure. Perfect for the audacious traveller with a bit of spare cash, as the only access is by helicopter. The action is virtually non-stop for two days with an upper and lower section to the beautifully scenic river. This is the local's favourite and you'll be talking about it for years to come. The upper section has non-stop action with pool drop rapids, steep and technical. The second day sees the river double in volume when the south branch of the river joins the north. The lower section has big volume rapids with serious waves and drops. This is an overnight adventure with non-stop grade IV and the occasional Grade V rapid. Suitable for those who are very comfortable in the water but experience is not necessary.
Grade IV-V
