Waihou / Near Putaruru, II
Fri, 2006-10-13 06:47 — jonathan
Waihou
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10405750Don'... know much about this. Mostly placid through farmland, but a dangerous gorge with a natural dam near Putaruru.URL is a place-holder until we can identify the regular section(s).
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33%| 20061011 | Sieve | Okoroire Falls |
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 .
####Warning####Warning####Warning####
This paddle should not be attempted in the current state. The waterfall is the last of the hazards.
Not sure if this is the correct section. Paddled this section about 18 years ago. Decided to take my son down for a survey. This paddle should not be attempted by beginners. There are numerous fall tree obstacles blocking the river.
Entry point: 4 kms from Tirau on State Highway 5 at the first bridge you come to. Entry can be gained from the up stream side of the bridge. Large sing on the down stream side indicates "No kayaking with warning of a water fall".
Exit Point: The Pub at Okoroire falls. The take out point is indicated by 3 large no Kayaking signs. One is strung across the river in a steel wire. The is also a 5m tall large steel slide on river right. Walk up ridge to the car park, about 500m.
Shuttle Run: Reverse direction along State Highway 5 towards Tirau, 1.5km. Turn right into Hetherington Road drive to the end 3.2km. Turn right. Follow Okoroire Road, 3km. Turn Right into Somerville Rd. Hotel is 200m on the right.
This is could be a nice beginners paddle if all of the tree fall was cleared.
The water starts out crystal clear with visibility to over 2.5m and a sandy bottom.
The paddle took us 2 hours, which included two scrub bashing portages.
There is a play wave at the water wheel rapid. The water wheel is only visible after you are eddied out after the rapid now. This was fun and we could have stayed longer it is only 20 minutes paddle from the end.
Bonus at the end of the paddle is a pleasant country hotel which is very popular with the motor cycle enthusiasts.