Waioeka / SH2 to Opotiki, I-II+

The second run, known as Hells Gate starts below Wairata, off SH2. The rapids are all class I-II+. Although the river flows alongside the road it still has a wilderness feel about it with plenty to offer novice and intermediate paddlers in play boats. Both runs gain a half to full class rating when in flood.

To get to the put in: find the turn off to Koranga and the Moanui Valley off SH2 about 9km east of Matawai, (or 60kmeast of Opotiki). Turn onto this gravel road. In less than a kilometre the road forks. Take the right fork and follow signs along Moanui Valley Rd. This road winds down alongside Moanui Stream. Follow this to its end, park where you see a sign informing you of Urewera National Park access in a large turnaround, this is the put in.

To get to the take out: With plenty of water in the river you can paddle to the Waioeka River/SH2 junction at Wairata. If the water is low, or you just can't be bothered, it is possible to cut the trip shorter by turning off SH2 at Wairata and driving about 4km up the gravel road to any point available for exiting the river.