L
OCALS KNOW NEW ZEALAND as Aote- aroa, which translates to Land of the Long White Cloud. It is also the Land of the Long
White-Knuckle Drive. Don’t be fooled by its small size—vertigo-inducing switchbacks and swift-flowing fords plague many worthwhile shuttle roads. The secret to unlocking NZ’s whitewater stash is to either move here for an endless summer or allow at least two months of travel time. Fortunately, spending a few weeks or months
in NZ doesn’t mean spending a fortune. Be- cause the country is such a huge backpacker— read: dirtbag traveler—destination, it is easy to find a quality vehicle for cheap. Buy a functional beater from the Backpackers’ Car Markets of Auckland or Christchurch—the main metro- politan hubs of the North and South islands, respectively. Spend a bit more for a roomy camper van,
share the expense with three or four mates, and enjoy decadent comfort while taking advantage of NZ’s best benefit for kayakers on a budget: freedom camping. Nearly every roadside pull- off, parking lot, trailhead, put-in and take-out is fair game for free camping. Your next purchase should be a copy of New
Heli shuttles are the best—and sometimes the only—way into more remote rivers. Flights get cheaper with larger crews,
like this group headed to the Perth River put-in. PHOTO: TYLER FOX
Jamie Sutton takes advantage of the Aratiatia Rapids’
daily release on the North Island’s Waikato River. PHOTO: TYLER FOX
The west coast of the South Island is riddled with classic walk-in runs. Some hikes are an easy stroll while others can be downright slogs.
Tyler Fox grinds up the 3½-hour climb to Red Granite Creek. PHOTO: TIM PICKERING
38 RAPID SPRING 2011
Zealand Whitewater by Graham Charles. This guidebook has invaluable information on over 250 runs but local knowledge of water levels still makes the difference between showing up at a dry river or one that is prime. Luckily, Kiwis—na- tive New Zealanders, not the furry fruit or rare flightless bird also indigenous to the islands— are passionate about their rivers and always keen to help a fellow paddler. New Zealand’s rivers are as varied as its ge-
ography. Many have wonderfully warm waters while others bubble out of frigid underground springs, tumble off 10,000-foot peaks and course through deep, shadowy gorges. With so many rivers, it can be difficult to know
where to start. Having spent the last five sum- mers touring from river to river, I’ve learned that the best plan is no plan at all. If you are motivat- ed, tirelessly opportunistic and willing to chase
New
Zealand
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