Tongariro Poutū release - 30 cumecs
2025-04-26 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-20 09:00 - 15:00 (Pacific/Auckland)

Tongariro Rangipō release - 30 cumecs
2025-04-27 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-21 08:00 - 16:00

2025 Hutt Gorge Race
2025-10-04 09:00 - 2025-10-05 17:00 | Hutt Gorge, Kaitoke Regional Park, Upper Hutt, Wellington, 5372, New Zealand
Come one, come all to the Hutt Gorge Race! Yes its that time of the year again when we race for the coveted Hutt Gorge Shield, and of course a fun weekend out on the water with pals.
When is it you ask? well, the event will be held on Saturday 4th October and Sunday 5th October so save the date and register here!
This year, on Saturday there will be the Kaitoke Gorge Team Race and Kaitoke Gorge Community Float, as well as the Grade 2 Individual Race, while the packrafters do some sessions on Te Awa Kairangi.
The fun will continue Sunday with the Kaitoke Gorge Individual Kayak Race, Kaitoke Gorge Individual Packraft/Inflatable Race, and a Kaitoke Gorge community float for those who don’t want to race.
Camping is available at the Kaitoke regional park at put in (look for Camping Area 5). There will be paddlers there both Friday and Saturday nights. On Saturday, there will be a BBQ and prizegiving, and then a lovely fire by the river. Bring $8 for camping fees, firewood, and a small koha for operational costs.

Race Details

Race starts from the “put-in” with the finish flag after “toilet bowl” rapid, that makes it approximately 20 minutes of racing. If you don’t know where the put-in is, please ask!
Teams consist of 3 members who must paddle and stick together as a team or face the wrath of the gods! (disqualification).
You need to self-rescue and provide safety for your team members (although there will be race safety at the more sticky spots).
Teams need to organise their own shuttles.
The teams finish time is when the last member touches the finish flag.
After all have finished the race the group all paddle to take out, licking their wounds and/or bragging about their lines taken.
There is a maximum boat length of 9 foot (that’s 2,743mm for you modern metric peeps).
The committee’s decision is final, you better believe it!
To fill those empty tum tums a BBQ will be held afterwards at Kaitoke Regional Park with the Shield presentation to the glorious and forever immortalised winning team.

Entry Fees
Kaitoke Gorge Team Race (Saturday) – $15 per person
Grade 2 Individual Race (Saturday) – $15 per person
Kaitoke Gorge community float (Saturday or Sunday) – Gold coin koha to Hutt Gorge Whio Fund
Kaitoke Gorge Individual Race, kayak/packraft/inflatable (Sunday) – $10 per person, or free if you entered the team race
Registration
Please complete this form to register.

Schedule
Friday
3pm – Kaitoke Gorge familiarisation paddle. Dial in your race lines.
Camping at Kaitoke Regional Park, Area 5, Gates close at 9pm
Saturday
Packrafters – Te Awa Kairangi G2 skills share / safety day start time TBC
9am – Registration opens
10am – Grade 2 Individual Race Starts
12pm – Kaitoke Gorge Team Race starts
12.30pm – Kaitoke Gorge community float (anyone who doesn’t feel like racing)
5.00pmish – BBQ and Awards Presentation, Kaitoke Regional Park, Area 5
Sunday
No registration required
9.30am – Kaitoke Gorge Individual Kayak Race starts
9.30am – Kaitoke Gorge community float (anyone who doesn’t feel like racing)
12.00pm – Awards for individual races.

Motatapu access day
2025-11-23 09:30 - 17:00
Motatapu River Access Day

Sunday 23rd November, 2025

Motatapu Station has kindly agreed to allowing paddler access to the Motatapu river across private land. This is a pretty awesome but seldom run G3-4 section super close to Wānaka!

Access to the north branch G4(+) section is possible by walking on foot from the confluence (no shuttle access). Beware of wood in this section

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you read ALL rules before attending. Violations may result in permanent loss of access for the entire paddling community!

Access rules:1. DO NOT drive beyond the confluence with the North branch of the Motatapu River – park before the confluence and carry your gear further if needed2. MINIMIZE VEHICLES, please ensure you carpool with other paddlers whenever possible! We don’t want excessive vehicles on the farm. Organize rides in this event page or meet 9:30 am at meet at the public carpark on the right, just before the one way bridge/entrance to the station, to sort out cars and shuttles.3. SPEED LIMIT is 30km/hr maximum on ALL farm roads, no exceptions – respect the livestock and farm operations4. GENERAL CONDUCT: Stay on designated tracks, leave all gates as found, take ALL rubbish with you, be courteous to farm staff, and please respect all signage

Ultimately, this access day is a privilege, not a right. Your actions reflect on the paddling community, don’t disappoint your peers or those who have volunteered their time to organize this opportunity! Ensure you bring your best behaviour, camera and biggest smiles because it’s going to be a sweet day out!

Big thanks to Matt Stout and Nick Pascoe for organizing access!

Tongariro Poutū release – 30 cumecs
2026-01-31 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-25 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-19 09:00 - 15:00

Tongariro Rangipō release – 30 cumecs
2026-02-01 08:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-26 08:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-20 08:00 - 16:00

Whakapapa release – natural flow release if flows are over 16 cumecs
2026-08-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-05 09:00 - 17:00
Natural flow release if flows are over 16 cumecs. To be confirmed based on Genesis flow forecasts in the days prior.

Whakapapa release (back-up for 8th August)
2026-08-22 09:00 - 17:00
Back up date if the release on the 8th August hasn’t gone ahead.
Natural flow release if flows are over 16 cumecs. To be confirmed based on Genesis flow forecasts in the days prior.

Whakapapa release (back-up for 5st Sept)
2026-09-26 09:00 - 17:00
Back up date if the release on the 1st September hasn’t gone ahead.
Natural flow release if flows are over 16 cumecs. To be confirmed based on Genesis flow forecasts in the days prior.
