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Routeburn / Swingbridge to Footbridge, IV-V

Wed, 2006-05-17 20:59 — jonathan
0
Routeburn
Info
Portage?: 
No
Class: 
IV-V
Level: 
Needs extra water
Gauge: 
Visual
Length: 
4km
Gradient: 
22m/km
Time: 
1-3 hours
Put in: 
Swingbridge at the top carpark on the Routeburn-Kinloch road
Take out: 
Next footbridge down
Shuttle: 
3.5km
Maps: 
NZ Topo E40
Character: 
Tight, technical, trees
Hot tip: 
Take a wood saw

This short but exciting stretch of the Routeburn descends beside the popular walking track of the same name. It is a smal river, and in normal flows more of a rock crash than a kayaking trip. However the river becomes a viable option when the rain falls.

The run is tight and technical from the start. After the first kilometre a steep section drops 20m in 500m. Scouting for logs trapped amongst the boulders will be necassary, which detracts a little from the run, but the paddling is fun and the surrounding forest and scenery adds to the trip.

To get to the take-out; follow the Glenorchy-Routeburn road from the small settlement of Glenorchy. Cross the Dart River and turn right onto the Routeburn-Kinlock road to a parking area and track to Lake Sylvan.

To get to the put-in; continue up this road to the top carpark and put in by the swingbridge.

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.