Adventure Magazine Issue 220
Issue 220: June/July Winter 2020
Issue 220: June/July
Winter 2020
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massive<br />
half price<br />
rafting for<br />
everyone<br />
UNtil the end of<br />
August<br />
Grade 2 family fun trip<br />
Image compliments of Rafting New Zealand<br />
HOMEGROWN<br />
CENTRAL PLATEAU<br />
Rafting:<br />
There are a few commercially<br />
raftable rivers in the Central<br />
Plateau; the Tongariro and<br />
the Rangitikei. Both rivers<br />
offer options for day trips and<br />
overnight experiences so you'll<br />
find something to suit your<br />
needs. Some of the best fun<br />
you'll ever have!<br />
Rafting on the Tongariro River with Rafting New Zealand<br />
Image compliments of Rafting New Zealand<br />
Tongariro River:<br />
The headwaters of the Tongariro originate in the Central Plateau and wind their way down through<br />
the towns of Turangi until it arrives at Lake Taupo. This is New Zealand’s most fished river, but it<br />
also proves an excellent choice for rafting.<br />
There are three main white water sections which provide excellent rafting options, with two<br />
gorges which are usually considered unpaddleable, (Tree Trunk Gorge and Waikato Gorge). The<br />
river levels are controlled by the dam and two of the three sections are only able to be rafted on<br />
the release days of the dam. The lower section of the Tongariro River offers a family friendly<br />
experience to give a taste for first time rafters or younger children.<br />
Section Put in Take Out Difficulty Length Time<br />
Access 14 Rangipo Dam Tree Trunk Gorge Grade 4 5.7km 1-3 hrs<br />
Access 13 Tree Trunk Gorge Waikato Gorge Grade 3+ 5.3km 2-3 hours<br />
Access 10 Poutu Intake Blue Pool Grade 3 13km 2-4 hours<br />
Scenic beauty on the Tongariro River<br />
Image compliments of Rafting New Zealand<br />
Access 14 has a put in just below the Rangipo Dam and is the highest<br />
and most narrow section of the raftable section of the Tongariro. It is<br />
graded a 4, although there are only a few grade 4 rapids, however, the<br />
continuity of the grade 3+ sections and the inability to walk out means<br />
it keeps its grade 4 status. Also care needs to be taken to ensure that<br />
the takeout is not missed, as just below this is Tree Trunk Gorge, which<br />
could be fatal if entered on a release day.<br />
Access 13 has a more difficult access and requires a walk in and<br />
out and rafts have to be dropped down a 15m cliff into the river. It is<br />
rated a 3+ and also has a critical takeout point just above Waikato<br />
Gorge, another section of the river that could prove fatal. The riverbed<br />
through this section is small, containing the rapids and making them<br />
steeper. Due to the accessibility, this section of the river is rarely rafted<br />
commercially.<br />
Access 10 is the most popular section of the river and most actively<br />
rafted, due to the ease of access and the year round flow levels allow<br />
rafting daily on this part of the Tongariro. There are over 60 Grade 3<br />
rapids making for an excellent half day on the river. Take out is at Blue<br />
Pool or you can choose to continue down to Turangi township, this<br />
part of the river offers a fantastic grade 2 rafting experience, where as<br />
young as three years of age can take part in the thrill of rafting.<br />
you deserve<br />
an escape<br />
to adventure!<br />
USECODE: WIN2020<br />
42//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#<strong>220</strong>