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Wanganui / Upper Wanganui, IV-V

Wed, 2006-05-17 20:59 — jonathan
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Average: 4 (1 vote)
Wanganui
Info
Portage?: 
No
Class: 
IV-V
Level: 
30-80 cumecs
Gauge: 
visual at the take out
Length: 
12km
Gradient: 
35m/km
Time: 
4.5-6 hours
Put in: 
5 kilometres upstream of Hunters Hut (Wanganui/Lambert confluence), at any available landing spot.
Take out: 
Gravel road end 3 kilometres up from SH6 (righthand side)
Shuttle: 
helicopter section 7B or 7C
Maps: 
I34 and J34
Character: 
Steep, technical to open moderate water.
Hot tip: 
Hot pool action!

The character of the Wanganui is different from other West Coast rivers, dropping sharply out of the Alps, but easing off without flowing through any gorges. From just above the Lambert/Wanganui junction is a great class III intermediate trip and an excellent proposition for a first helicopter trip. Those flying higher will be treated to some excellent, technical boating that at first glance looks unlikely, but comes together with a bit of thought. There are too many rapids to point out any one line so I will leave it up to you to adventure, or misadventure, at your own leisure.

After five kilometres of steep water the gradient drops right off to 9.5m/km for the rest of the trip and enjoyable class III water, except for one class IV-V rapid. This rapid (Slip Rapid) is about 4 kilometres from the Lambert/Wanganui junction and is easy to spot from above. Run the rapid or portage on the right side.

A soak in the hot pools in Hot Spring Stream (on the left 2 kilometres before the take out) is a great way to finish the trip. Walk 100 metres up the stream on the true left and dig out a pool to sit in. The quarry site on river right indicates the take out.

To get to the take out: from Hokitika drive south for 45 - 60minutes. A road heads off to the left just as you are about to cross the Wanganui River. Follow this for about 3 kilometres. As you get to the river there is a good parking and helicopter landing spot.

To get to the put in: fly to the where ever you want to start.

Fill: 
89%
NZ Whitewater 4th Edition 2006: 
p201
Credits: 
Graham Charles

This section appears in New Zealand Whitewater, 4th edition, 2006 on p201.

New Zealand Whitewater, 4th edition, 2006
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.