Where to Whitewater Kayak near Murchison

Buller River - One on the Murchison area gems. Fun from start to finish. The main even is Granity Rapid about 2 thirds of the way down. When the river is low it is a wide bouldery section with lots of eddies. Be aware it is shallow in places. When it is high above 150cms expect an exciting non stop big water run in the class 4 and above realm. Make sure to check out the NZ Kayak School in Murchison for beta, gear or a course.

Buller River - Close to town and nice and deep. This is a local favorite and often budding paddler's first grade 3 river trip. Though not a marked rapid make sure to look out for the great seem line created at the Maruia confluence. This is a great spot for whoopies or a spot to look out or if the river section is at your limit.

Mangles River - When its been raining the Mangles Section offers some the best surfing on natural features I have seen in NZ. Memories of this gem taking 4hours as we surfed on everything we could find. If it's in, take a river runner or playboat and enjoy. The river starts off class 2 and is often a high-water beginner run to the Blue Bridge. After the Blue Bridge the river picks up into class 3 and the waves just get better! Watch the Buller Confluence when the rivers are high. You don't want someone swimming into the Buller.