Adventure Magazine Issue 220

Rafting the Grade 5 section of the Rangitikei River
The upper Rangitaiki River - Images compliments of River Rats
Rangitikei River:
Rangitaiki River:
One of New Zealand’s longest rivers, the Rangitikei’s
headwaters are to the south east of Lake Taupo and
the river flows through the central plateau past Taihape
and Mangakiwa, before heading out to the coast south
of Whanganui. The grade of the river varies over the
185km stretch ranging from grade 1 through to grade 5,
all sections are raftable, it just depends on what you are
looking for.
Due to the length and nature of the river, a multiday trip
is a great way to experience the area however there are
plenty of options to do day trips of varying degrees of
difficulty. The scenery is spectacular and secluded and
offers real variety.
The highlight for white water enthusiasts is the grade 5
section that ends at River Valley Lodge just out of Taihape.
This 11km section of river starts with grade 2-3 rapids and
builds to a section of the river with 10 major rapids, from
Grade 3+ - Grade 5 line up one after the other.
Rangitaiki River
Rangitaiki River
Tongariro River
Rangitikei River
Situated 45 minutes from Rotorua or around 1 hour from Taupo,
there are two sections to the Rangitaiki River; the upper section is a
busy class 3 – 4 section and lower down there is a grade 2 section
suitable for children as young as 5.
The upper section requires good teamwork but without the drops
experienced on the grade 5 offerings it doesn’t feel as scary. It runs
through a beautiful river valley with a mix of native and plantation
forest.
The lower section runs through a stunning rock gorge with lots of
freshwater springs trickling into the river that you can stop and drink
from, there is even a spot to get out for a shower under a stunning
spring fed waterfall making for some great shots to ensure you have
a strong Instagram game. There are plenty of opportunities
to float down smaller rapids or swim in the calm pools. It has a few
bigger rapids but they are just nice rolling wave trains with not many
obstacles to avoid making it a great option for families or those
looking to experience the scenery without too much excitement.
The lower Rangitaiki River - Images compliments of River Rats
44//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#220 ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ 45