RANGITATA
The Rangitata Gorge is tucked away behind the small town of Peel Forest in South Canterbury, running parallel to one of the longest dead-end roads on the South Island, flowing out of the Main Divide Southern Alps and the stunning Mesopotamia region.
The Rangitata is fed by two massive ice plateaus; The Garden of Eden, and The Garden of Allah. Being fed by these two huge glaciers the river maintains a significant glacier flow throughout the season and is regularly topped up by North West system rainfall.
Due to the combination of glaciers, rain, and topgraphy of the gorge, the Rangitata contains two Grade 4/5 rapids along the rafting stretch - the highest commercially run rapid grade in the world. The Gorge is not only considered one of NZ’s top rivers but is a globally recognized white water rafting trip.
Our Grade 4/5 Rangitata Gorge trip is perfect for groups as each person can choose their level of challenge. You will be assigned a guide who will take their raft crew for the day.
Please note the minimum age for the Grade 4/5 Rapids is 14 years. Children under this age must walk around this section of the gorge.
If the river is in flood (>100 cumecs) we can also offer alternative options down the Lower Rangitata. Contact us for more information.
PRICES
Gorge Trip $275 per person, Lower River from $175 per person
See below for trip details. Contact us for group options.
RANGITATA GORGE TRIP DETAILS
The Rangitata Gorge trip meets at Te Wanahu Flat DOC Area at Peel Forest at 10.00am. (Start time can differ). Our staff will pick everyone up in our buses or vans to head up to the top of the river. Along the way we will stop at our gear shed to change into the river rafting kit that we supply. The Trip Leader will give you a rundown of how the day plays out and how to get dressed in the river gear.
All you need to provide is a swimsuit i.e shorts, bikini, or togs to wear under a wetsuit (and a towel for your shower afterwards). We’ll dress you up in booties, thermals, a wetsuit, splash jacket, floatation device, and a helmet. Once everyone is geared up we will head to the top of the river to get into our rafts and crew.
The river starts off nice and flat where we teach the paddle commands and do paddle drills. This is vital because essentially the crew’s paddle power will become the engine for the day. In the flat section you will also receive a safety briefing, which is just do’s & don’ts of rafting and some important information you want to know before going down the rapids.
Next you’ll tackle the Grade 1, 2 and 3 rapids, where you practice your rafting skills and have an opportunity to become comfortable and confident with rafting as a whole before arriving at the Grade 4/5 Gorge section of the river.
Before we raft the Grade 4/5 section we will stop, get out and scout the first grade 4/5 rapid from a high vantage point. Whilst we look at the first grade 4/5 rapid ( Roster Tail ) we will discuss the upcoming gorge section and what to expect.
Please note the minimum age for the Grade 4/5 Rapids is 14 years. Children under this age must walk around this section of the gorge.
After this talk we will give everyone the opportunity to walk around this section if anyone is not feeling up for it. The walk is short and fairly easy along a 4x4 farm track, only missing about an 800 metre portion of the entire 11km river section. The rest of the river post gorge offers more rapids to raft, swim spots, rock jumps, and surf holes to play with!
Once at the end of the river trip there is a 5 minute drive back to our gear shed. We’ll get changed and have a few laughs about the day and say our good byes.
LOWER RANGITATA TRIPS
As an alternative trip for younger families (ages five and over) the Lower Rangiatata offers Grade 2 rapids and an opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery of the Mt Peel ridgeline and Peel Forest. The Lower Rangiatata trip is a great option for those who want to ease their way into rafting, or those who want to take it easy with a relaxing float down our local iconic river. The lower river also offers an alternative trip if the gorge is in flood.
