Clarence River Rafting (Grade 2-3)

Clarence River Journey 5 Day - Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura

The Clarence River Rafting New Zealand journey is just that; a 4 night, 5 day journey that embraces a genuine, classic multi-day rafting tour on one of the most picturesque Grade 2 and 3 rafting rivers in New Zealand.

Imagine how different the world would look if all our roads were rivers, and getting to where you wanted to go involved rafting there! This river trip is a journey from the mountains to the sea, following nature's own highway, the Clarence River.

The 200 + kilometre journey on the Clarence River begins near the thermal resort of Hanmer Springs and ends near the seaside town of Kaikoura, renowned for its whale-watching, seal colonies and delicious crayfish.

We travel the river over 4 nights and 5 days, winding our way from the midst of the Spencer Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, passing through the magnificent Inland Kaikoura Ranges and then past the picturesque Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges.

The river starts as a stream, with the flow gradually increasing as we paddle and drift by the changing scenery towards the East Coast of the South Island. The open tussock-lands of Molesworth Station gradually fade into the Manuka covered hills of the Clarence Scenic Reserve and Bluff Stations. We pass by places with names like Goose Flat, Stoney Flat, Ravine Hut and Saw-tooth Gorge. Heading seaward, we then travel out through the Mati Flats and open coastal farmland. During the first day on one of the country's most beautiful rafting trips, New Zealand wild life, native birds, and if you look closely, even wild deer and goats may be seen along the river banks and flats.

The river is fun without being intimidating to anyone shy of white water rafting, with intermittent, smaller rapids of Grade 2 and 3. It is an excellent New Zealand rafting tour for relaxing and enjoying being in the wilderness away from modern distractions. It is a chance to enjoy the company of friends and family both on the river and around the campfire in the evening. We will cook up some great riverside feasts in a camp oven that you would not think possible!

The Clarence River journey is one of the few rafting trips in New Zealand that we are able to travel on a multi-day rafting trip. Everything we need we carry on the rafts with us, including your personal gear.

Suggested Itinerary

As the start point of the Clarence River journey is only a short drive from Hanmer, we recommend you stay in Hanmer the night before departure. Here you can soak and relax in the hot pools of this superb alpine resort. If you're feeling ultra hardy, you may choose to camp at the river put-in and get an extra night in the wonder of the wilderness.

Day 1

Travel from Hanmer to the 'put-in', a 45 minute drive over Jacks Pass and into the Clarence Valley. We then follow the Clarence down stream to the junction of the Acheron River. Here the road leaves the river and goes through to the Molesworth Station homestead... no roads now for 5 glorious days. We're beginning our magnificent journey on the river by 11am... putting us down at the start of the first of four gorges for a gastronomic lunch. The afternoon we raft the gorge and on to a glorious campsite set amongst willow trees.

Day 2

This is a great day of moderate water amidst high mountains and snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon we pass through a short gorge with stunning rock formations. Camp is at or beyond Quail Flat, nestled among poplar trees.

Day 3

Another great day on the river... some nice wetting waves, open countryside and in clear weather we can monitor our progress as we near the evening camp under the shadow of Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the highest peak on the inland Kaikoura Range and the highest mountain in the country, north of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

Day 4

A day of rafting through a rock-walled canyon; the grand canyon of New Zealand. The river winds around many corners, letting you glimpse the true character of the Kaikoura Ranges. There are great Manuka flats, ideal for lunch spots and wonderful leg stretch breaks. Camp is on one of these sheltered flats.

Day 5

We round a couple of major bends in the river into the open farm land on the Kaikoura Coast. A couple of hours of flat water... then a nice last few kms of wave action to the sea. Yes - one of the few river trips in the world that finishes at the sea, normally around midday/early afternoon. This gives time to unwind, take in the sights of Kaikoura, then travel home, north or south, with your totally refreshed body and mind. Bliss!

Testimonials

"We decided to do a different family holiday in January 2003 - and rafting the Clarence River was recommended to us as a great river for scenery and an easy one to do with a family over 4 or 5 days.

Well, what an amazing holiday! Not only was the scenery incredible, the food was delicious, and the children (and us) had fantastic fun over the few days - without seeing another sign of human habitation for most of the trip! We came away with a wonderful experience behind us - and also saw quite a transformation in our three children after 4 or 5 days on the river. Their maturity and confidence took a huge boost - and not once did they miss computers, TVs etc!!

A holiday we'll never forget. We are planning another similar family adventure on a different river, probably with several other families this time - who have heard what a great time we had!"

Richard and Liz Mabon, New Zealand.