Whirinaki / Whirinaki, III
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 .
Here's a photo of typical class II action on the trip.
To get to the put in drive into into the Ureweras from Murupara. When you get to the Whirinaki River proper put in. The take out is at the bridge crossing the Whirinaki River on Whirinaki Road (the road running from Murupara to Whakatane). I'd recommend a shuttle driver, rather than leaving a car, as the area is known for breakin's.
The trips about 2-3 hours long. The first 30 minutes is largely devoid of rapids, but can have the odd log jam. The river eases into the gorge with class 2 water with plenty of boulders, eddies and small waves and holes. The middle of the gorge has a section of 3 to 4 technical class III rapids. The crux being a riverwide sieve, known to the HBCC as the baracade. Depending on what flood have done to it, there are usually a number of lines that can be taken. I'd recommend class III boaters scout.
All in all a good days club boating for intermediate paddlers. The podocarp forest in the gorge makes for a beautiful backdrop. We tied it into a long weekend, and included runs down Anawhenua and Geoffs Joy on the Rangitaiki River.