Whataroa / Barrowman Flat to old SH6 bridge (Lower Whataroa), III+ (IV)

Wed, 2006-05-17 21:59 — jonathan

Average:

Alternate Name:

Lower Whataroa

Whataroa

Info

Class:

III+ (IV)

Portage?:

Level:

40-120 cumecs (roughly 60 per cent the flow from the WRC gauge)

Gauge:

visual, or WRC flow phone for the Whataroa River 083 225 495

Length:

13km

Gradient:

8m/km

Time:

3-5 hours

Put in:

Barrowman Flat

Take out:

Old SH6 bridge site.

Shuttle:

helicopter section 7B or 7C

Maps:

I35

Character:

Big boulder gardens, big water feel.

Hot tip:

Some of the most stunning gorges you’ll ever see.

Barrowman Flat is a great put in for intermediate paddlers or as one of your first trips on the coast. From here to the take out is mostly class III+ with two or three class IV/+ rapids that are portageable. Two magnificent schist gorges ensure that your scenery dollar is well spent. The second is one of the most spectacular on the Coast and makes the trip worthwhile on its own. Low flows (40 - 70 cumecs) are the best time to be in there as intermediate paddlers and your day will be more enjoyable the less water you have. At higher flows (>90 cumecs) expect some pushy class IV/+ water and less relaxation.

The first major rapid (which is the technical crux) is often portaged on the left side (there is a trail the rafters use). The second crux is in the last gorge. At higher flows there is a great auto boof on the right. At lower flows the hole on the left side is quite trashy. The portage on the right can be a bit of adventure and is a good introduction to West Coast adventure boating. A rope is a good thing to have.

To get to the take out: find the Whataroa River bridge on SH6, turn eastwards on the gravel road on the southern side for 2km to the old bridge site. There is a large parking area, and camping is allowed. Make sure you have a ready stock of insect repellent because the sandflies are rather aggressive.

Fill:

89%

NZ Whitewater 4th Edition 2006:

p205

Credits:

Graham Charles

This section appears in New Zealand Whitewater, 4th edition, 2006 on p205.

Helicopter

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.