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Wilkin / Upper airstrip to Makarora River, IV-V

Wed, 2006-05-17 20:59 — jonathan
0
Wilkin
Info
Portage?: 
No
Class: 
IV-V
Level: 
15 - 30 cumecs
Gauge: 
Visual
Length: 
13.5km
Gradient: 
26m/km
Time: 
5 - 8 hours to Kerin Forks
Put in: 
Upper airstrip, Wilkin Valley
Take out: 
Makarora River
Shuttle: 
Helicopter
Maps: 
NZ Topo F38
Character: 
Steep, tight, technical
Hot tip: 
A fantastic part of the country with plenty of potential!

The Wilkin provides a fine adventure with a stunning mountain backdrop in relatively civilised surroundings. The lower reaches have been floated for years but the upper section was done first in Easter 1995. Helicopter is the best option for getting in though fixed wing can also get there. If going by helicopter it’s possible to get dropped off at the top of Jumboland flats below the sieve portage in the first gorge (grid ref 874513; F38)

If you begin at the upper airstrip there is a short section of shingle braids down to the first gorge. 200m of class III-IV boulder gardens lead you to the sieve where the entire river goes under a boulder. Be wary of this and be sure to make the exit point which comes at you quite quickly. Portage on the left.

Below the sieve a continuous steep section leads down to the top of Jumboland flats, where giant mountain faces, hanging snow fields and craggy waterfalls provide a fabulous backdrop to the next 4km of class III-IV paddling.

Below this is a long class V section with rapids that vary in style from 3-4metre multi tiered drops to tight technical boulder gardens. Portaging is easiest on the left and you can get in and out where you please and paddle the drops you want and walk others.

Below this section the gradient eases markedly to class III for about 3km down to the Siberia confluence at Kerin Forks. No whinging about the 90 minute class I-II paddle out from here though as hundreds of trampers every year walk for three days to get into this valley to see the scenery and for kicks you can always paddle up behind a few and frighten them on the way home.

Fill: 
89%
Credits: 
Graham Charles, Nigel Sutherland
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.