Otaki River (Lower gorge)

This is a class II run that provides plenty of excitement for begginners. This is the run i learnt to kayak on providing excellent eddys, wave trains, and the odd bluff to watch out for. In low flows it can become a bit scratchy (below 20 cumecs) but otherwise it's all go!
Flows are available throgh www.rivers.org.nz or available in the Dominion Post each morning.

The run takes any where between 3-4hours but can be broken in half (there is a 4WD track that leads down to the river just after a reletivly long flat open stretch of road). This track is pivate and steep so it is preferred if cars are left at top. It pays to not leave valuables visible in the car.

Put in: Go right up Otaki Gorge rd past the one lane bridge to your left all the way up to the Picnic area by DoC ranger house up (only real turn off on left handside of rd once your in the gorge past the bridge) . If you reach the camping area at the rd end you have gone too far.

Pays to scout first rapid as it is very tight and tecnicle.

Take out: As you drive into the gorge you can park the car just by the bridge mentioned (you don't go over it but you still can't miss it) and there is a walking track in this area that comes up from the river.