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Manuherikia / Manuherikia (Ophir Gorge), IV (V)

Wed, 2006-05-17 20:58 — jonathan
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Average: 5 (1 vote)
Alternate Name: 
Ophir Gorge
Manuherikia
Info
Portage?: 
No
Class: 
IV (V)
Level: 
15-50 cumecs
Gauge: 
Otago Regional Council flow phone 03 479 6439, then 1-4-5.
Length: 
12km
Gradient: 
10m/km
Time: 
4-6 hours
Put in: 
Ophir bridge below Omakau
Take out: 
End of Keddel Rd
Shuttle: 
15km
Maps: 
NZ Topo G41, G42
Character: 
Scenic canyon, technical, tight rapids.
Hot tip: 
Excellent playing in the lower gorge if you have a playboat

Rapidly gaining the status as one of the runs to do in the area, the Manuherikia has been popular with Otao paddlers since its first descent in 1985 by a UCCC team who had read a report that it was class II. A small, tight gorge, it needs more than normal flow, but thanks to the Otago flow phone system you won't have to waste time driving to the river to check it out.

Initially the gorge is narrow and water flat. The rapids begin after 3km. A diversion tunnel on the right after 5km heralds the beginning of the gorge proper. Between the beginning and end of the tailrace are a number of steep, technical class III-IV rapids. All are easily portaged on the tailrace. They continue 2km past the tailrace outflow. Two steep and technical class V rapids follow each other in quick succession, both with high objective danger from rock sieves and undercuts.

Optimal flows are between 15 and 50 cumecs; at over 50 cumecs the water is very turbulent and becomes solid class V. Below the gorge relents before issuing onto Central Otago farmland just after the Chatto Creek confluence. From here to Keddel Rd is a half hour of flat water. It is possible to take out at Chatto Creek and walk 4km along the old railway line to the Chatto Creek pub.

To get to the put-in; 1.5km south-west of the small settlement of Omakau on SH85 is a short gravel road to the Ophir bridge. Put in there.

To get to the take-out; drive east on SH85 towards Springvale. Look for Keddel Rd. Turn down this and follow it 1.5km to the river.

Fill: 
89%
Credits: 
Graham Charles
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.