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Rafting Hurunui river
White water rafting

HURUNUI WHITE WATER

from
$169.00

“Maori Gulley”

3 hours of fun rapids and calm waters.

Great for families, work functions, Stag & hen parties or locals supporting locals.

Minimum age 10 years

Duration 8am-5pm

  • Reviews 0 Reviews
    0/5
  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
      Action, Adrenalin, Family, Guided Tours
    • Activity Level Exciting
      4/8
    • Group Size Large Group
      4 - 40
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    All about the HURUNUI WHITE WATER.

    Geography

    The Hurunui River is the fourth largest of the four principal rivers in north Canterbury New Zealand, with a catchment area of 2,670 square kilometres.

    The river flows from the eastern side of the Southern Alps, to the Pacific Ocean.

    The Hurunui river starts in the Lake Sumner forest park above Lake Sumner where it joins the lake then flows out at the eastern end of the lake.

    History:

    Maori Gully owes its name to the people who once used the area as a route to the West Coast pounamu (greenstone) fields. From Kaiapoi they would travel through the Lake Sumner area, across the main divide and down the Taramakau River to the Arahura. They built flax and wood ladders to get into the side gullies entering the Hurunui gorge. The name Maori Gully was given to one of the bigger side gullies, but has since become the name for the whole gorge.

    The road was built in the 1800’s and gave access to up to 800 people per month heading for the west coast.

    Your rafting experience

    We depart Christchurch at 8.30am and head north towards the Lake Sumner forest park, arriving at the river around 10.00am.

    Your guides with brief you on all things rafting, including how to paddle, what to do if you fall out and all the ins and outs of the day.

    After a safety briefing we board the rafts for 3 hours of exciting whitewater and relaxing scenic vistas.

    This trip covers around 20km of the upper Hurunui river, rafting into almost inaccessible areas of North Canterbury.

    Full transport and catering is available.

    This trip is perfect for your work function, Stag or Hen party, friends and families.

    Minimum age – 10 years

    Minimum number – 4 people

    Un-catered – $169 per person

    Catered – $189 per person

    Check out the white water pics in the gallery

    The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

    We supply you with all rafting equipment for on the river.

    • Wetsuit
    • Boots
    • Fleece top
    • Splash jacket
    • Helmet
    • Life jacket
    • Safety briefings and information
    • Qualified guides
    • Transport from Christchurch
    • *Lunch & home baking
    • Photos & *Videos
    • Good fun
    • Great banter
    • Amazing scenery
    • Memories

    *Edited video of your adventure is available on request for an additional fee.

    *Lunch can be supplied on request

    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

    Things that are not supplied.

    • Travel insurance and other emergency expenses
    • Sunblock
    • Straps for glasses
    • Shower facilities
    • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
    • Snacks for before the trip
    • Bottled water
    • Photography accessories like cameras etc.
    • A bad experience
    • Baby sitting services
    1. 8.00am Arrival at our base

      Please arrive at our base located at 50 Barkers road, Kaiapoi no later than 8.00am.

      We will issue all your rafting gear required for the day and give you a run down of the days events.

    2. 8.30am Depart Christchurch

      We depart our base at 8.30am and drive 1.5 hours up to the Hurunui river located in the Lake Sumner forest park.

      There are plenty of toilet and pie stops along the way.

    3. 10.00am Arrive at the Hurunui river

      After arriving at the river we will get changed into our rafting gear and your friendly guides will deliver a safety briefing and all information you need before embarking on your adventure down river.

    4. 11.00am Let the fun begin!

      The first part of the journey is where the real excitement starts. As we enter ”Maori Gulley” we tackle a few fun rapids such as ”Simons hole”, ”Elevator”, ”Cheese grater” and ”OTO” while our driver rattles off a few pictures from above.

    5. 11.30am Exit 'Maori Gulley'

      Departing ”Maori Gulley” sees the river open up slightly and we enter ”the wind tunnel” where we often encounter on river water spouts and a more relaxing stretch of river until we reach one of our favourite rapids ”The Cattlestop”. This rapid likes to eat people when its flowing in the sweet spot.

      Following ”the Cattlestop” we enter a more relaxing section that allows us to take in the scenery and punch through some of the smaller rapids of the day.

    6. 01.00pm Enter 'The Chutes'

      With the Chutes just around the corner we stop to stretch the legs and get a birds eye view of the chutes and rapids to come.

      The ”Hawarden gap”, ”Meat Cleaver” and ”Blue Taco” are our next rapids to tackle at the top of the lower gorges.

      This stretch of river is pretty special with towering rock walls and narrow passages to navigate.

      Following ”The Chutes” the river eases and we are back into relax mode as we head for the last gorge and the trip end point.

    7. 02.00pm Raft trip ends

      The raft trip ends at the confluence of the Mandamus and Hurunui rivers where our staff will be waiting with all your personal gear and clothing.

      We load the rafts and get changed before its time for a bite to eat.

    8. 03.00pm Depart the river

      Departing the river through a private farm where you may encounter paddocks full of Clydesdale cross trekking horses.

      These horses will often go for long walks from the Hurunui all the way to Tekapo have a bite to eat the return home. The round trip takes almost a month to complete.

      There are plenty of toilet stops on the way home, although most people tend to have a nap before arriving back in Christchurch

    9. 04.30pm Arrive back in Christchurch

      We arrive back at our base where you are free to go home and dream about your next adventure.

      Oh and leave us a review on Trip Advisor or the likes.

      Or maybe just spread the word about your new found love for rafting and the awesome people that you shared the experience with.

      Thanks a bunch.

    Important Information

    Rafting is in the nature of an “extreme sport” and as such, has inherent dangers and risks, including the risk of injury or death to the participant. While your tour guides are skilled and experienced, due to the nature of river rafting, Southern White Water limited is unable to be in any way responsible for any injury or death of the participant. Due to the remote location of our tours, medical aid or evacuation can be delayed for hours or even days. Please carefully read Southern White Water limited’s terms and conditions, which include important information regarding the risks and dangers of river rafting, outline your rights and obligations, and limit Southern White Water limited’s liability. Southern White Water limited’s terms and conditions apply to the extent permitted under New Zealand law.

    • A deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required to secure any booking.
    • Payment is to be made in full no later than 72 hours/3 days of trip date.
    • Refunds of payments are entirely at the discretion of the Operator and if granted will always be paid net of all expenses incurred.
    • No refunds will be given for “no shows”.
    • Cancellations within 72 hours of trip will incur a 20% fee of total trip cost.
    • Cancellations within 48 hours of trip will incur a 50% fee of total trip cost.
    • Cancellations within 24 hours of trip will result in non-refund.
    • After we have accepted deposits the price stated on the written confirmation will not change unless the booking is changed or unless as a result of Government action.
    • The Operator reserves the absolute right to cancel or amend any service at any time for any reason and assumes no liability whatsoever for any loss, additional cost or any other consequent result.
    • Our rafting trips require a minimum of 4 passengers to run. If booking as 1 or 2 passengers, please note that the operator will make all endeavours to place you on the scheduled trip, – however the Operator does reserve the right to transfer the booking to a confirmed trip if numbers deem this necessary.
    • It is the client’s responsibility to advise the Operator in writing at the time of the booking of any medical condition or physical disability, which requires any special treatment or attention.
    • The Operator reserves the right to decline client’s bookings on the grounds that their safety could be compromised.
    • No person presenting themselves for a rafting trip apparently under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be rafted nor will any refund be forthcoming.
    • Clients have the right to refuse to continue with any trip prior to the trip commencing, this may be on the riverside or prior to boarding the rafts. It is important to note that if any person feels uncomfortable or unwilling to take part in rafting they must speak to us prior to the trip commencing as once on the river there are no points that allow for exit.
    • If you wish to discontinue with the rafting experience during the trip, you liable for all costs associated with being removed from the river. This term is void if a medical or natural emergency arises and evacuation is required.
    • In purchasing your Southern white water experience you consent to the capturing of videos and photos in which you may feature. This content may be used for promotion sales and marketing material at Southern White Water’s discretion.
    • If you are pregnant you cannot participate on this experience and if you do so without notifying Southern White Water of your conditions you do so at your own risk
    The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance.
    Who is the trip for?
    • Minimum age 11yrs
    • Minimum weight 40kg.  Maximum weight 130kg
    • You need to be water competent with moderate fitness
    • People with a heart condition or taking heart medication are not able to participate
    • Guardian conditions apply for under 18yrs
    • Pregnant? sorry this trip is not for you.
    • Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants’ safety
    • Participants need to listen carefully to our guides’ instructions
    • We reserve the right to cancel trips or substitute another river or section of river for safety reasons
    • Please ensure you have read and accept our terms and conditions prior to sending a reservation request
    • This rafting trip operates with a minimum of 4 people. Customers need to reconfirm at least 24 hours prior to departure to ensure your trip will be operating
    • All trips operate dependent on weather, river level and/or water temperature
    • Persons appearing to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol including prescription medications on the day will not participate.
    What we need to know.
    • If you have any medical conditions that may effect your ability or increase risk to yourself or others.
    • Any medications that you are taking or are required to carry.
    • If you have any dietary requirements
    • Your swimming ability
    • If your a little apprehensive prior to boarding the rafts, please talk to one of our staff and they will help put your mind at ease.
    • If you do not wish to continue the tour please let us know prior to getting on the river. We are more than happy for you to sit it out if you are not feeling up to it.
    • If you are concerned for your or someone else’s safety prior to the trip departing please talk to us.
    • While on the river if you need the toilet, please let us know. if you don’t and try to do it discretely in your wettie you will stink to high heaven for days! Trust us we know, been there done that.
    • We love feedback. if you have any feedback we would love to hear it.
    • The international river grading system for commercial rafting has been devised to classify rivers by the overall size and technicality of the water being rafted.
    • Grades are from 1-5.
    • Grade 1: small regular waves >0.5 metres. Generally unobstructed passage.
    • Grade 2: Small to medium sized waves and a few obstacles.
    • Grade 3: Fairly high waves 1-2 meters, and the passage may be difficult to recognise from on the river.
    • Grade 4: large, irregular waves, with the passage often difficult to recognise and negotiate.
    • Grade 5: Very difficult rapids, large irregular waves, difficult to negotiate, which require complex, precise, powerful, and sequential manoeuvring to negotiate the rapids.
    • Basically, grade 1-2 is relatively flat water suitable for ages 5 and up, while grade 4-5 is large, exciting and has a greater degree of risk involved.
    • It is recommended you talk to us about your adventure level and the type of trip you are after prior to committing to your adventure.
    • On rivers graded 3 and above, we do require you to be water savvy or be able to swim. We have many awesome locations to jump, dive and drift in the river and swimming is right up there with the experience.
    •  Make a phone call, send an inquiry via the online form.
    • As we require bookings in advance the online inquiry is the best form of contact or should you just have a few questions prior to making a decision on the best trip suited to you call us for a yarn.
    • Swimming outfit or thermal undergarments can be worn under your wetsuit and rafting attire.
    • We supply all clothing for on river.
    • Dress warm for the day as it can be a lot colder up at the river.
    • We will have various cameras documenting your trip, we have waterproof video cameras, a digital SLR.
    • All video and photos will be available post trip for purchase.
    • We will supply a few free pictures of your trip
    • Edited videos of your trip are available for an additional fee.
    • Videos must be requested prior to the trip.
    • Of course! If you are planning to bring a digital camera make sure its waterproof. Disposable waterproof cameras are also a fun option.
    • We are GoPro friendly
    • We take no responsibility for loss or damage to your camera/s or equipment.
    • Yes, some medical conditions do matter.
    • It is required that you inform staff of any medical condition past or present that you may have so we can best prepare for it.
    • Most medical conditions won’t stop you from rafting but we must know of anything that may require medications or that may affect your ability to participate.
    • This will need to be assessed on a case by case basis.
    • On rivers graded above 3, we require that you are able to swim and participate in most areas of raft handling.
    • Generally we are able to accommodate most people if we are given prior notice.
    • Ultimately though your involvement will be at the discretion of the trip leader and guides who will be able to assess the conditions on the day and inform you of any potential safety concerns.
    • Please talk to us prior to booking your trip.
    • The minimum age for rafting is determined by the grade of the river and overall risk. We can cater for children as young as 5 years.
    • There is no maximum age limit for rafting.
    • You must be able to fit our gear and safety equipment.
    • Maximum weight is 130kg due to equipment specifications.
    • We do have a number of extra large wetsuits but ask that you are physically fit and able to swim.
    • Ultimately it will be at the discretion of the trip leader and guides as to who is appropriate to participate in the rafting trip.
    • Prescription glasses are fine although on rivers graded 3 and above we recommend the use of contact lenses as we cannot guarantee your glasses will be safe for the duration of the trip.
    • It is a good idea to bring them along in a sturdy case for activities off the river.
    • Glasses straps are also recommended.
    • We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary requirements we should consider in planning your trip.
    • If you have food allergies or restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
    • However, some specific needs can only be met if we charge you a supplemental menu fee to cover our increased costs.
    • If you are a vegetarian or vegan and you let us know well in advance, we can provide meals for you without additional cost.
    • We cannot always provide for the same diversity or sophistication as our regular menu for special dietary requests.
    • There is every chance you may fall out and a chance you may wish to jump out.
    • Your guide will brief you on the procedures for if you fall out and also how to minimise the likelihood that you will.
    • You are supplied with all safety gear including a life jacket which will keep you afloat.
    • Rafting activities involve a degree of risk, while we cannot absolutely guarantee your safety.
    • We have implemented a comprehensive safety plan to minimise the likelihood of any incidents and carry all safety equipment.
    • Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants’ safety
    •  We will supply everything you need for on the river, however, you may choose to wear your own thermal undergarments or fleece under the splash jacket.
    • If you wish to use your own wetsuit or boots please talk to your guides before the trip so we can check that it is appropriate for the conditions.

    Please contact us to discuss.

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