The Kaituna River is with out a doubt the most popular river on New Zealand’s North Island, and yet very few paddlers have experienced the best part of the river ... the lower Gorges. There are a couple reasons for this; One being that most kayakers have a fear of the unknown, and there is a certain commitment to the unknown when paddling into the Lower Gorges. This is why I would highly recommend paddling with some one who has previous experience on the Lower run. The tight walled gorges (2 m wide at points) and continuous nature of the river make scouting very difficult, and new wood is always a threat. However, in my experience most of the trapped wood in the river occurs in the flatter, wider more “drop pool” sections where the rapids are created by individual rocks, as opposed to the rapids of the gorges which are created by smooth canyon walls and river bed. But be aware, there is plenty of places for wood to get trapped below the surface, so try to spend most of your time upright. Another reason for the lack of traffic on the Lower run is laziness. Humans by nature are creatures of habit, and it is way too easy to get in the habit of just doing laps on the top section of the Kaituna, although it is hard to blame them as this is an amazing stretch of white water. However, the Kaituna has soooo much more to offer. In my opinion, the Lower Kaituna is one of the best white water runs in New Zealand. It isn’t because the lower Kaituna has the hardest most staunch rapids, it is the kilometers after kilometers of fun continuous rapids set in a deep gorge overflowing with native bush. The Gorges of the Lower Kaituna are on par with any South Island Coast run. Unfortunately, there is one factor setting them apart, and that is water quality. The Kaituna river receives most of its water from the mirky, phosphorus rich “Polluted” lake Rotorua and therefore isn’t as clear and blue as other NZ rivers. However, if it’s some cold, clean spring water your after just stop off at one of the numerous springs gushing out of the canyon walls in the lower gorges for a drink. Typically the level should be between 200 - 600 on the control gates for a run down the Lower Kaituna, however higher levels might be tempted by an experienced crew on the run. From the control gates to the take out takes about 3.5-5.5 hrs and consists of about 25km of whitewater, a 30 min portage or a balls up paddle down Gnarly Gorge and 7-8 km of flat water at the end ... and worth every minute of it. I wouldn’t be able to describe in detail this run so here is a quick rundown. Paddle the top section, walk or paddle trout pool, your choice. Paddle into Awesome Gorge, its a km or so of very narrow, continuous, “water slide styles” cl 2-3 with one notable drop towards the end. After this don’t miss the take out as you don’t want to float into Gnarly Gorge. Follow the trail up and left on the logging trail till it ends back down at the water. The first gorge below the portage has 6-8 major rapids cl 3-4 interspersed by continuous cl 2-3. Next is Smokey Gorge, apart from the one “Portage”, a small drop with some wood in it and a big net on the side of the river to help get around, my big tip for this gorge would be “Its all good down the Middle” and have fun going around the corner into Smokey Falls. From here down there are only two more notable rapids but a handful of absolutely beautiful deep sheer walled gorges. The flat water starts once you exit the deep gorges. As of April 2009 Gnarly Gorge has been run by a small group of the local Okere crew, self included, and there is no “Game Stopper” wood. There is plenty of wood in there but all is avoidable. This strech should not be taken lightly, but if you are really keen talk to any of the local kayakers for the latest info on its status. If you do get the chance to paddle this strech “Cleanly” it just might be added to your paddling career highlights. Soo amazing! To put in just hop in at the Control Gates in Okere Falls. To get to the take out drive north on SH33 towards Te Puke, turn left on Maungarangi Rd (just before you get to Paengaroa) and follow to the bridge over the Kaituna. The Kaituna has been my backyard run for the past 2 seasons and is undoubtedly one of the greatest backyard runs anywhere. One of the best things about this river is that it provides great whitewater year round, however this river may not flow so freely as it is one of many treasures up on the chopping block to be lost to Hydro development in NZ. I urge more people to explore this amazing place and help the cause. Lets not trade in paradise for 13.5 MW. For more info on how you can Save Our Rivers visit: www.rivers.org.nz and join as a member. The more voices we have the louder we can scream ... and someone will have to listen! Tyler Fox Photos: Tyler Fox & Louise Urwin http://www.rivers.org.nzshapeimage_1_link_0
The Lower Kaituna River
The Local Mauri “Spirit of the land”
Tyler getting up and over the weir, Kaituna River
stomping the landing, Tuna
Some air time in the bottom hole, Tuna
The infamous Trout Pool Falls, Tuna
Jamie Garrod deep in the Lower gorges of the Tuna
Sam Roil getting past some shitty wood in Smoky
Typical tight walled rapid
break on through
sweet whitewater in a Jungle setting
The grand finale, Smoky Falls
A clean start is key, Tyler getting out front, Tuna Race
Airing it out on the Wairoa River
Tyler dealing to the last half of Mothers Nightmare, Wairoa
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