Standing tall and mighty in the middle of the North Island’s Central Plateau are the volcanic mountains Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. It is these beautiful snow capped mountains that give the Central Plateau the amazing ability to produce quality white water year round regardless of rain fall. The volcanic rock of the mountains are perfect for producing numerous springs. Networks of these springs combine once off the steeper slopes of the mountains and run as “hydro slide” creeks until reaching the harder bedrock further down, where they dig deep into the earth and produce some amazing gorges filled with vertical drops. Another amazing result of these unique characteristics is the most pristine, crystal clear, cold waters you have ever paddled in. Dehydration won’t be a problem on these runs as most bottled water companies would be jealous of the quality of this water, just dip your head in for a gulp. With a decent amount of rain, most of these spring fed rivers become “unmanageable” due to the tight narrow gorges they run through, but for every river that becomes un-runnable there are probably 2 or 3 more that open up, with some becoming full-on big water runs. In general the Central Plateau is an amazing place to go and have adventures, whether on the water or off. It is absolutely beautiful and for the most part un-touched wilderness. And if adventuring isn’t what you feel like, there are some sweet lakes and beaches close by for sunny day entertainment. Tyler Fox Photos: Tyler Fox, Brendan Bayley, Louise Urwin, Graham Ball NZ’s Central Plateau
Tyler Fox on Waiketo Falls, Tongariro River
Off the Lip
Brendan Bayley from above, Waiketo Falls
And, from below
Over the lip of Potu Falls
Setting the angle, Potu
Setting it down, Potu
Graham Ball tucking up, Potu Falls
Andy Hill having a go, Potu Falls
Stoked on a sweet drop
The hydro slide, Ohineponga River
A tight squeeze, Ohineponga
Beautiful mini gorge, Ohineponga
Sweet Boof, Ohineponga
Typical scenery of the Plateau
Tyler believes he can FLY if he spreads his wings & gives’r
Tyler and film crew Josh Neilson on Tawhai Falls
Getting the close ups, Tawhai
Tyler taking in the beautiful back drop
B-Dog skurfing it up ... thats ski surfing
My boy Sam Roil cranking some big air
Lu getting her wake board on
The Clayton Classic Crew
Lu with a smashing hit
Thats a swing and a miss
Good times on the Thunder Cat
B-Dog laying into a big turn
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