Takaputahi / Rawea to Motu, IV (P)

See Taking on the Takaputahi, NZC 98.3. Mandatory portage below Boulder Mile.

Egarr (1989, p139) suggests put-in from end of Takaputahi Road, near Toatoa.

"From the put-in the river flows clear and peaceful for some distance, with mossy banks in a scenic gorge. Some log-jams may present problems, as will the occasional rocky drop.

Some distance downstream the gorge suddenly narrows into a canyon with numerous log-jams and steep bouldery chutes, often with long, deep pools between. Some four hours downstream from the put-in you will reach Boulder Mile, where a jumble of boulders in the river from slip debris will make for very slow going. Numerous rock sieves and logs will oblige you to inspect each run as you proceed downstream. Once clear of Boulder Mile, which takes about two hours to negotiate, you will have another 30 minutes to the Motu confluence."