Multi-day · Waimakariri
Waimakariri Raft 2 Day Journey
A braided alpine river, steep-walled gorges and gentle Grade 2 rapids - the perfect introduction to multi-day rafting, and a trip the whole family can do together.
Where You'll Be
The Waimakariri - "the river of cold rushing water" - begins in the Southern Alps west of Arthur's Pass and braids out into the Canterbury high country. Braided rivers are common on the east of the South Island but rare almost anywhere else in the world, and this one is iconic. We start at Mount White Bridge, the same spot the kayak leg of the Coast to Coast sets off from, follow the open braids, then drop into a stunning steep-walled gorge that can only really be seen from the river. It's a gentle Grade 2 the whole way, which is what makes it right for the whole family.
- Duration2 days, 1 night
- GradeGrade 2 (family-friendly)
- Minimum age5 years
- PricePriced on enquiry.
- LocationWaimakariri River, from Mount White Bridge, Canterbury high country
- Pick-upFlexible - arranged to suit your group
The Experience
This is a gentle Grade 2 river, which makes it perfect for families or for groups with a real range of ages, abilities and confidence. There's enough moving water to be fun - braids to read, wave trains where the flow gathers in the gorge - but nothing that demands experience. If you've never done a multi-day trip before, this is the one to start with.
Day by Day
Two days on the water, a night camped in the gorge - here's how the journey unfolds. Open a day for the full run-down.
Day One - The Braids
Where we meet depends on where you're travelling from. The river journey itself begins at Mount White Bridge: transfer your camp clothes into the dry bags we provide, change into the river gear, and after a full safety briefing we're away - no experience needed, the guides teach you everything first. We travel through the braided section, reading the water ahead to pick the deepest braid, with plenty of time to perfect your paddle strokes, admire the Southern Alps, and cool off in the pools on a warm day. The water up here is spectacularly clear if there's been no recent rain. We find a spot for lunch along the way, and towards the end of the day drop into the Waimakariri Gorge, where the braids merge and the added flow carries us through some fun waves to camp on the river's edge -dinner over the fire, and a few laughs before bed.
Highlights: Mount White Bridge · Braided Reaches · Clear Alpine Pools · Into the Gorge
Day Two - The Heart of the Gorge
After a good breakfast we start the second leg, heading into the heart of the gorge: more fun waves, plenty of swimming spots, and the occasional glimpse of the Alps-to-Ocean railway. Depending on the season you might see athletes out training for the Coast to Coast - and it's worth keeping an eye out for salmon and trout. The gorge widens as we near the end; we usually stop for lunch on a sandy beach before reaching the take-out in the early afternoon.
Highlights: The Gorge Waves · Swimming Spots · The Alps-to-Ocean Railway · A Sandy Beach Lunch
Camping, Food & Gear
The Waimakariri Gorge has a couple of great campsites to choose from. While we get the food on, you can swim, try your luck with a fishing rod, chat with the guides, or just sit back and take it in. All meals are included - two lunches, a hearty campfire dinner, and breakfast in the morning.
More on Camping & Food
We carry and set up all the camping gear -tent and mattress included; a sleeping bag can be hired for $40 if you'd rather travel light. Some on-river snacks are supplied, but bring your own favourites too. Have special dietary needs or strong preferences? Let us know in advance and we'll sort it. You're welcome to bring wine or beer for the evening at camp -cans or plastic bottles please, no glass.
What We Supply
- Helmet
- Life jacket
- Wetsuit
- Splash jacket
- Thermal top
- Wetsuit socks
- Tent
- Sleeping mat
- Small dry bag for sunscreen etc
- Big dry bag for camping gear etc
We carry everything with us on the rafts so make sure you have enough clothing to keep warm but please don't pack the kitchen sink!
What to Bring
For Camping
- Sleeping bag (supplied on request, $40 hire fee)
- Pants
- Warm top layer i.e. Fleece jersey
- Warm under layer i.e. Thermal
- T-shirt
- Underwear (enough to last the trip)
- Warm hat
- Raincoat
- Small torch
- Shoes and socks
- Towel
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries
For the River
- Swimwear (two piece for ladies, as one piece is hard to go to the toilet in) or underwear for under the wetsuit
- Thermal top (if you have one)
- Old running shoes (separate pair from your camp shoes)
- Sunscreen, sun hut, sun glasses
- Personal medication i.e. asthma inhaler, epi pens
Don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure!
Is this trip right for me?
- Best for: families and mixed-ability groups, and anyone who wants their first taste of multi-day rafting on gentle water.
- Activity level: easy to moderate - gentle Grade 2, with some paddling to keep the raft moving through the braids.
- Experience: none needed; a full safety and paddle briefing comes first.
- Age: 5 years and up.
- Ready for more? The Grey or Waiau 2 Day trips step up the white water, and the Clarence 5 Day is the full wilderness journey.
Safety
Your safety is our priority. Inland Adventures operates under a Department of Conservation concession and complies with the WorkSafe Adventure Activities Regulations, audited annually by AdventureMark. Every trip begins with a comprehensive safety and paddle briefing, and our guides look after you on the water and at camp.
"Great way to introduce young kids to multi-day rafting!"
Mila - River Guide
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