Adv 223 Yumpu

The Upper Waiau-Uwha
North Canterbury
3 Day Rafting Adventure
Jetboating near Haast
The Upper Māwheranui /
Grey River, West Coast
2-3 Day Rafting Adventure
Choose from a range of day and multiday rafting
adventures. Come and explore Aotearoa’s
stunning wilderness with us! All within a
three hour drive from Christchurch.
www.inlandadventures.co.nz | 0508 RAFTING(723 846)
Water Sports:
Much of the action on the West Coast is
centred on jetboating, rafting and kayaking -
the latter involving white water or on lakes and
rivers. A main centre for white water rafting
and kayaking is the Buller River gorge, with
operators based there who specialise in this
challenging environment. Grade 4 and 5 in this
locality.
Cave rafting is centred on Charleston, with
the small but fun-filled Nile River providing
excitement. A bush steam train provides novel
access to this adventure. Glacier rafting,
centred on Ross, is an option with everything
from scenic drift trips to Grade 5 white water
action in New Zealand’s highest mountain
range.
Paddle boarding and kayaking are offered
around Punakaiki and in the majestic lakes
surrounded by ancient rainforests to the south.
Mahinapua and Mapourika are stunning
locations for these activities.
Jetboating: Operators provide river tours in
the lower Buller gorge and at Karamea. The
Buller River is characterised by massive rocks
and tight bends, making for a white-knuckle
ride. Tours pass under a historic structure,
New Zealand’s longest swing bridge, while
the adjacent Cometline provides a rush for
those who have little fear of being secured
in a harness high above a raging river. By
comparison, jetboating at Karamea is a tame
affair - a scenic tour with commentary on the
region’s post-colonial settlement and history.
On the Waiatoto River near Haast jetboating
offers the only tours that carry passengers
from the ocean to the Alps within a UNESCO
world heritage park. Options include an ecotour
or fast and furious white-water adventure
designed to get the heart pumping on all
cylinders.
Fishing: The West Coast boasts some of the
most valued fishing venues in New Zealand
- along the sea coast for a range of species,
in the rivers and in the lakes. A multitude of
options exist for novices and seasoned fishing
fanatics alike. Sea run trout, yellow eyed
mullet and kahawai are common, while the
Buller River and Lake Brunner produce wily
brown trout, which they say get to die from old
age.
No visit to the West Coast would be complete
without indulging in the whitebait which come
ashore and into the rivers. Watching the
hundreds of whitebaiters ply their trade in their
favourite and fiercely-protected possies is
an adventure in itself, but outside the fishing
season cuisine featuring these translucent
little creatures is available in most locations.
Whitebait fritters or patties provide a unique
melt-in-the-mouth moment.
Fishing in Lake Brunner
Rafting with Inland Adventures
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