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Waioeka / SH2 to Opotiki (Hell's Gate), I-II+

Wed, 2006-05-17 20:59 — jonathan
0
Alternate Name: 
Hell's Gate
Waioeka
Info
Portage?: 
No
Class: 
I-II+
Level: 
2.0 upwards
Gauge: 
http://www.envbop.govt.nz/Water/Levels/Waioeka-at-Cableway.asp
Length: 
28.5km
Gradient: 
5m/km
Time: 
5-8 hours, or do it over two days
Put in: 
junction of wairata Road and SH 2
Shuttle: 
40km
Maps: 
W16, W17
Character: 
wilderness, remote trip with excellent water when running high
Hot tip: 
try it, you might like it

The second run, known as Hells Gate starts below Wairata, off SH2. The rapids are all class I-II+. Although the river flows alongside the road it still has a wilderness feel about it with plenty to offer novice and intermediate paddlers in play boats. Both runs gain a half to full class rating when in flood.

To get to the put in: find the turn off to Koranga and the Moanui Valley off SH2 about 9km east of Matawai, (or 60kmeast of Opotiki). Turn onto this gravel road. In less than a kilometre the road forks. Take the right fork and follow signs along Moanui Valley Rd. This road winds down alongside Moanui Stream. Follow this to its end, park where you see a sign informing you of Urewera National Park access in a large turnaround, this is the put in.

To get to the take out: With plenty of water in the river you can paddle to the Waioeka River/SH2 junction at Wairata. If the water is low, or you just can't be bothered, it is possible to cut the trip shorter by turning off SH2 at Wairata and driving about 4km up the gravel road to any point available for exiting the river.

Fill: 
83%
NZ Whitewater 4th Edition 2006: 
p53
Credits: 
Graham Charles

This section appears in New Zealand Whitewater, 4th edition, 2006 on p53.

New Zealand Whitewater, 4th edition, 2006
No incidents reported.

Disclaimer

Canoeing and kayaking are activities with inherent risks. Whitewater NZ takes no responsibility for the accuracy of this guide, nor for any risks or dangers that canoeists or kayakers may encounter. Any users should fully research the current river conditions and ensure they are fully equipped and have the appropriate skills, before embarking on any river trip, per Whitewater NZ Code of Practice. While every effort is made to ensure that details are correct, it is possible that this information is no longer accurate. If you find discrepancies or errors, please let us know at guide@rivers.org.nz.