Access
Our Commitment to River Access
New Zealand’s rivers are treasured natural resources that provide incredible recreational opportunities for paddlers. Our rivers represent not just sporting venues but vital connections to our natural heritage and cultural identity.
Whitewater NZ believes that access to rivers and lakes is a fundamental right for all New Zealanders. We advocate for the preservation of these public waterways as shared spaces where current and future generations can experience the joy, challenge, and serenity that whitewater recreation provides.
Rivers face increasing pressures from development, private interests, and changing land use. Without vigilant advocacy, the ability to access and enjoy these precious resources could be compromised. This is why protecting and enhancing river access remains one of our core priorities.
What We Do
Whitewater NZ aims to ensure public access to New Zealand’s rivers and lakes for all kayakers, by undertaking the following tasks:
- Ensure public access to whitewater rivers
- Preserve rights of public passage on waterways
- Negotiate recreational releases with dam operators
- Collect data on river usage (you can log your trips on RiverGuide to help with this)
- Support local access initiatives
Help Us Protect Your Right to Recreate on Rivers
→ Report an access issue here ←
Have you encountered difficulty accessing your favourite river? We want to know about it!
For example, access issues can include (but are not limited to):
- Blocked traditional access points.
- Access is bad due to bad quality road/parking/overgrown trails etc.
- “No Trespassing” signs.
- Landowners denying previously permitted access.
- Lots of litter, burnt out cars, etc.
- Bad relationship with the local community and river users.
- Development projects threatening river access.
- Hydropower schemes affecting water flows.
- Fast Track Approvals Act applications impacting rivers.
Why Report?
Your reports help us identify problems early and take action. Whitewater NZ has successfully resolved many access issues through negotiation, advocacy, and legal channels when necessary, but to do so, we need to know about the issue!
We can then provide updates once these issues are resolved (either on the river guide or our social media).
Take Action
Together, we can ensure continued access to New Zealand’s incredible whitewater resources.