world reviewer
Murchison is the epicentre for the South Islands white water scene, it's got great local rapids - up to gradeV - dramatic passage of water churning and bubbling though deep gorges into open stretches of river winding over rapids, waterfalls and enough paddling for just about anyone. Not all the rapids here are death defying, there are sections of river suitable for beginners as well and numerous local rivers to choose from. This is great place to heli-kayak (get dropped in somewhere and then kayak out) which is quite reasonable if you're going with a group. Murchison is great for day trips.
Written by 
Hedley Wilton.
“South Island”
The south island is an amazing place 3000+ metre peaks rising up from the west coast, this snow + gradient obviously equates to some outstanding paddling. The main focus areas are Murchison (beginner + intermediate paddling), the west coast (home of th… Read more...
Written by 
Simon Coward.
Comments, reviews and questions
Most rewarding kayaking to date
Expert guiding on runs accurately judged to my intermediate abilities, from world-renowned New Zealand Kayak School. Big stock of kit for hire, high standard of facilities which was a welcome surprise in this town which is well off the tourist trail. I cannot speak too highly of this operation, run by Mick Hopkinson, the Edmund Hilary of the kayaking world. Backdrop of unspoilt scenery, big big selection of rivers II to V, great guide to show you the lines with a constant flow of friendly coaching. Even sorted out my off-side roll! Magic.
Add a comment, review or question
Sponsored ads
Hawke's Bay Wine Tours
Scheduled and Exclusive Food and Wine Tours of Hawke's Bay. Meet like-minded people and share an appreciation of Hawke's Bay's fantastic wines.
www.grapeescape.net.nz
New Zealand Active Adventure Tours
Experience the beauty of New Zealand on an Active New Zealand guided tour. Hiking, biking, kayaking are just a few of the activities on offer.
www.nzactive.com
Tour Australia & New Zealand
With joint New Zealand and Australia travel agendas, see glaciers, geysers, outback, reefs, koalas, kiwis, historic districts, and native culture
www.tauck.com
Earthwatch Teen Expeditions
Earthwatch's scientists need you with them in the field to figure out the best ways to protect endangered natural and cultural resources.
www.earthwatch.org
Brazil Highlights
Visit the natural wonders of the Iguazu Falls, the Amazon rainforest, Rio de Janeiro & Sao Paulo. 11 day tour from £2763.
www.yampu.com
Advertise here
Who's been here
Similar experiences
Paddling Torres del Paine's Rio Serrano
Declared Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1978, the Torres del Paine National Park, (located in the Chilean Patagonia) in int…
Paddling the Zambezi
The Zambezi is the Everest of rivers, but it’s an Everest even first time paddlers can have a bash at (under good supervision.)…
Paddling between the Lofoten Islands
Norway’s remarkable fjords and sharp coast side mountains set the region apart as a paddling destination. The other obvious a…
What's nearby
Te Wahipounamu
The landscape in this park, situated in south-west New Zealand, has been shaped by successive glaciations into fjords, rocky co…
Fiordland National Park
The southern tip of New Zealand may seem cool now, but it used to be much cooler – covered in glaciers, which are what created …
Browne Falls
800m+ waterfall cascading into Doubtful Sound, New Zealand's tallest
