Upper Waiau-Uwha River

Rising in the Spenser Mountains and flowing through the St James Conservation Area, the Waiau-Uwha - meaning “river of swirling currents” - is one of North Canterbury’s most scenic alpine rivers. Its clear waters carve through rugged gorges, open tussock valleys and high-country farmland before joining the Hope River near Lewis Pass.

In Māori tradition, Waiau-Uwha is the female river, forever separated from her partner Waiau-Toa (the Clarence River) as they each journey toward the Pacific. Her floods are said to be tears of longing, melting the snows at her source.

The Waiau-Uwha offers Grade 2 – 4 rapids in a landscape of mountains, beech forest and pure alpine air. Access is through Glenhope Station and the Magdalen Valley, reached by 4WD, mountain bike or helicopter - the perfect gateway to a true wilderness experience.