Whitewater NZ |

Mangahao Course Open Day II
2022-11-19 08:00 - 16:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Open day on the excellent Mangahao Slalom Course. Bring your slalom boat, play boat, creek boat or pack raft.

Mangahao Course Open Day
2022-11-12 08:00 - 16:00

Tararua Packraft Weekend
2022-09-30 16:00 - 2022-10-02 17:00 | Kaitoke Regional Park, Upper Hutt, New Zealand
A laid back weekend camping at Kaitoke with the option to compete in the Annual Hutt Gorge River Race and Festival run by HVCC and VUWCC. Typically people run Hutt gorge Friday evening, partake in PRANZ activities Saturday, and then join the race Sunday.

Hutt River Whitewater Festival
2022-09-30 16:00 - 2022-10-02 12:00 | Hutt Gorge, Kaitoke Regional Park, Upper Hutt, Wellington, 5372, New Zealand
Whitewater, camping, music, and all around good times. Come join us for any and all of the Hutt River Festival events. There are events for kayaks and packrafts, team Race, Individual Race, and social paddles.
We plan on making the event bigger and better this year by adding a grade 2 race and some Saturday evening events.
More details to come soon.
Here is a wrap up of last year.
The Hutt River Te Awa Kairangi Whitewater Festival was a huge success last year. It truly was a whitewater festival including kayaks, rafts, duckies, and packrafts.
While the kayakers were racing on Sat. the packrafters were paddling the grade 2 Lower Hutt. Everyone got together at the HVCC clubhouse for a BBQ in the afternoon and then moved the party to Kaitoke Regional Park.
Sunday morning the racers went down first and then waited for the social paddlers at the finish line. The kayaks, rafts, duckies, and packrafts all paddled out together.
Congratulations to team “All Over the Show” John Snook, Dai Edwards, and Warren Cheetham for winning Saturday’s team race. On Sunday, Liam Hopkinson won the men’s individual race and Dina Fieman won the women’s race.
Brought to you by Hutt Valley Canoe Club, Victoria University Canoe Club, and Wellington Rafting Company.

Tongariro River Recreational Release (Access 13 & 14)
2022-09-25 08:00 - 16:00, 2022-05-01 08:00 - 16:00, 2022-02-27 08:00 - 16:00
Genesis Energy will provide a recreational release of the Tongariro River section below Rangipo dam & Intake. There are two sections suitable for paddling and are known as Access 14 (A14) & Access 13 (A13). A14 is from Rangipo dam to upstream side of Tree Trunk Gorge. A13 is from downstream side of Tree Trunk Gorge to upstream of Waikato falls.
Flows of 30 cubic metres per second for 8 hours will be released from Rangipo Dam between 8am and 4pm.
For the Rangipo Dam release, Grade 4+ rapids require a very high level of competence. You MUST be aware of the location of the exit points before Tree Trunk Gorge and Waikato falls to safely utilize this release.
Location – Rangipo Dam (A14 Get-in), Rangipo Intake Road off Desert Rd (Map)
Stop the spread of freshwater pests!

All equipment that has come from any other fresh waterway (regardless of island) must be decontaminated using approved methods (see CheckCleanDry) before entering the river.
Please do not rely on the ‘dry’ method alone as the inside of kayaks take a very long time to dry out!
Cleaning solution is available at the entry and exit points during recreational releases.

Tongariro River Recreational Release (Access 10)
2022-09-24 09:00 - 15:00, 2022-04-30 09:00 - 16:00, 2022-02-26 09:00 - 15:00
Genesis Energy will provide a recreational release of the Tongariro River section below Poutu dam & Intake. This section is known as Access 10 (A10)
Flows of 30 cubic metres per second for 6 hours will be released from Poutu Intake into the Tongariro River between 9am and 3pm.
Location – Poutu Dam (Get-in), Kaimanawa Rd off Desert Rd (Map)
Stop the spread of freshwater pests!

All equipment that has come from any other fresh waterway (regardless of island) must be decontaminated using approved methods (see CheckCleanDry) before entering the river.
Please do not rely on the ‘dry’ method alone as the inside of kayaks take a very long time to dry out!
Cleaning solution is available at the entry and exit points during recreational releases.

Whakapapa River Recreational Release (2) Back-up
2022-09-10 09:00 - 17:00
Possible Release (2) Back-up date – If this back-up release is cancelled there are no more release (2) opportunities.
The natural flow of the Whakapapa River will be released downstream of the Whakapapa Intake for 8 hours between 9am and 5pm.
Recreational releases from Whakapapa Intake require a minimum flow of 16 cumecs in the Whakapapa River. If there is still insufficient flow, then the event is cancelled.
Updates on the likelihood of the release are posted 24 hours prior to the event and the final decision is made on the morning of the release.
Leading up to the release date WWNZ will be in liaison with Genesis Energy and will give updates to paddlers via the WWNZ Facebook page as information is available.
Location – Whakapapa Intake (Get-in), Whakapapa Intake Rd off State Highway 47. (Map)
Stop the spread of freshwater pests!

All equipment that has come from any other fresh waterway (regardless of island) must be decontaminated using approved methods (see CheckCleanDry) before entering the river.
Please do not rely on the ‘dry’ method alone as the inside of kayaks take a very long time to dry out!
Cleaning solution is available at the entry and exit points during recreational releases.

Whakapapa River Recreational Release (2)
2022-09-03 09:00 - 17:00
Possible Release (2) – If this release is cancelled then it will move to the (2) Back-up date.
The natural flow of the Whakapapa River will be released downstream of the Whakapapa Intake for 8 hours between 9am and 5pm.
Recreational releases from Whakapapa Intake require a minimum flow of 16 cumecs in the Whakapapa River. If there is still insufficient flow, then the event is cancelled.
Updates on the likelihood of the release are posted 24 hours prior to the event and the final decision is made on the morning of the release.
Leading up to the release date WWNZ will be in liaison with Genesis Energy and will give updates to paddlers via the WWNZ Facebook page as information is available.
Location – Whakapapa Intake (Get-in), Whakapapa Intake Rd off State Highway 47. (Map)
Stop the spread of freshwater pests!

All equipment that has come from any other fresh waterway (regardless of island) must be decontaminated using approved methods (see CheckCleanDry) before entering the river.
Please do not rely on the ‘dry’ method alone as the inside of kayaks take a very long time to dry out!
Cleaning solution is available at the entry and exit points during recreational releases.

Whakapapa River Recreational Release (1) Back-up
2022-08-20 09:00 - 17:00
Possible Release (1) Back-up date – If this back-up release is cancelled there are no more release (1) opportunities.
The natural flow of the Whakapapa River will be released downstream of the Whakapapa Intake for 8 hours between 9am and 5pm.
Recreational releases from Whakapapa Intake require a minimum flow of 16 cumecs in the Whakapapa River. If there is still insufficient flow, then the event is cancelled.
Updates on the likelihood of the release are posted 24 hours prior to the event and the final decision is made on the morning of the release.
Leading up to the release date WWNZ will be in liaison with Genesis Energy and will give updates to paddlers via the WWNZ Facebook page as information is available.
Location – Whakapapa Intake (Get-in), Whakapapa Intake Rd off State Highway 47. (Map)
Stop the spread of freshwater pests!

All equipment that has come from any other fresh waterway (regardless of island) must be decontaminated using approved methods (see CheckCleanDry) before entering the river.
Please do not rely on the ‘dry’ method alone as the inside of kayaks take a very long time to dry out!
Cleaning solution is available at the entry and exit points during recreational releases.

Whakapapa River Recreational Release (1)
2022-08-13 09:00 - 17:00
Possible Release (1) – If this release is cancelled then it will move to the (1) Back-up date.
The natural flow of the Whakapapa River will be released downstream of the Whakapapa Intake for 8 hours between 9am and 5pm.
Recreational releases from Whakapapa Intake require a minimum flow of 16 cumecs in the Whakapapa River. If there is still insufficient flow, then the event is cancelled.
Updates on the likelihood of the release are posted 24 hours prior to the event and the final decision is made on the morning of the release.
Leading up to the release date WWNZ will be in liaison with Genesis Energy and will give updates to paddlers via the WWNZ Facebook page as information is available.
Location – Whakapapa Intake (Get-in), Whakapapa Intake Rd off State Highway 47. (Map)
Stop the spread of freshwater pests!

All equipment that has come from any other fresh waterway (regardless of island) must be decontaminated using approved methods (see CheckCleanDry) before entering the river.
Please do not rely on the ‘dry’ method alone as the inside of kayaks take a very long time to dry out!
Cleaning solution is available at the entry and exit points during recreational releases.

Wairoa River Recreational Water Release
2022-05-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2022-04-17 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-12-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-12-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-12-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-12-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-11-28 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-11-14 10:00 - 16:00 and 2 more dates
A controlled release of water into the Wairoa River will take place between 10am and 4pm.
The Wairoa river near Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s best stretches of accessible white water. The Trustpower Kaimai Hydroelectric Power Scheme provides great white water for recreational kayakers and rafters, by regularly releasing water from McLaren Falls dam.
Please note, the top river section is grade four – exceedingly difficult with long and violent rapids. Safety on the water is your own responsibility, so suitable skills and preparation is vital. If in doubt, contact the Kaimai Canoe Club.
Location – McLaren Falls Rd off State Highway 29 Lower Kaimai (Map)

Mangetepopo Meet - Packrafting
2022-04-22 14:00 - 2022-04-25 16:00 | Mangetepopo Camp, SH 47, Tongariro, New Zealand
PRANZ Regional Meet-up based around Tongariro which has great paddling opportunities at all grades.
There is an accommodation (3 nights) / shared meal / training charge. You also need to be a PRANZ member.
We will choose runs based on river flows but we have Tongariro Blue Pools, upper Wanganui, Manganui-o-te Ao, Whangeuhu and Waipakahi in the vicinity. An overnighter is possible for after the event flow permitting (again multiple options).
More info https://www.facebook.com/events/309389454557722?active_tab=about

Wairoa River Recreational Water Release (Last Every Sunday)
2022-04-03 10:00 - 16:00

Mingle at Murchison - Packrafting Association
2022-03-25 17:00 - 2022-03-27 17:00 | Murchison, Riverside Holiday Park, Murchison, New Zealand
A PRANZ mini meet weekend of packrafting and mingling with other packrafters, extend your network and find some paddle buddies. Hopefully we will get some folk from Blenheim, Nelson and Christchurch… maybe a few from further away, North Islanders are welcome too.
Can promise a choice of excellent rivers suitable for all grades of paddlers. Expect a casual weekend with multiple trip options, we are likely to run a section or two of the Buller and probably the Mid Matakitaki. If there are families that are looking for an easy paddle there are option for that too.
Camping is at the Riverview Campground or they have little cabins for hire too, it’s a beautiful spot that has been a favorite with paddlers for many years. Saturday night we will have wine and cheese by the river followed by shared barbecue/potluck.
For more info and to register visit the Facebook event page – https://www.facebook.com/events/1000888310464758?active_tab=about

PRANZ ANNUAL PACKRAFT MEET WANAKA
2022-01-06 12:00 - 2022-01-09 17:00
A get together for Packrafters to enjoy rivers around Wanaka.

Waikaremoana Releases
2021-10-23 09:00 - 2021-10-24 17:00
PADDLING FEST CANCELLED
Now being held over Labour Weekend
Paddling Festival in conjunction with Waikaremoana controlled Releases
Waikaretaheke River below Lake Whakamarino recreational releases
A flow of 17 cubic metres per second for 6 hours will be released from Lake Whakamarino between 9am and 3pm (Sat & Sun)
Waikaretaheke River below Piripaua Power Station recreational releases
Flows of 12 cubic metres per second will be released from Piripaua Power Station between 10am and 4pm. (Sat & Sun)
Festival Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1332060183816117
Location: Map LINK
Stop the spread of freshwater pests!

All equipment that has come from any other fresh waterway (regardless of island) must be decontaminated using approved methods (see CheckCleanDry) before entering the river.
Please do not rely on the ‘dry’ method alone as the inside of kayaks take a very long time to dry out!
Cleaning solution is available at the entry and exit points during recreational releases.

Kayakers Beginner's Course Nelson
2021-10-06 18:30 - 2021-10-17 18:30 | Nelson, Nelson, New Zealand
This course us for people with little or no kayaking experience.
Based in a pool then river enviroment with some white water.
Skills transferable to all types of kayaking.
Fun supportive enviroment
