Description: White water rafting on the Rangitikei River on New Zealand`s North Island is as good as New Zealand rafting gets. The Rangitikei River is a wild, remote, free-flowing river with ample Grade (or Class) 4 and Grade 5 white water, with River Valley Lodge located a short distance downstream from the best of them.

White water rafting at River Valley, one of our top activities, is different than most New Zealand rafting venues in that we typically have the river all to ourselves! Allow a half day.

Below River Valley Lodge, the Rangitikei River flows through beautiful papa, (mud rock), canyons. The canyon walls reach up to 200 metres above the level of the water.

Between each crystal clear pool, sparkling rapids, up to grade 2, (easy), tumble down through small greywacke boulders.

Bordering the river is native forest, and small flood plains. Trees include Maire and Kahikatea, with a rich understory of tree ferns and broadleaves.

This natural corridor has a variety of bird life, from the rare New Zealand Falcon, to Tui and Bell Bird, Fantails, Spur winged Plovers, and of course Paradise Ducks.

This trip is especially suitable for families, and those people wanting a more relaxed interaction with the river, than offered on our Grade 5 trips.

The trip takes about 3 1/2 hours on river, with a picnic lunch stopover on the river bank. If weather conditions and time permit, then we can take a hike up a side canyon to view the Ohutu Falls, the most reliable of the major waterfalls that feed the river.

This canyon is one of the most beautiful sections of the Rangitikei River.

Location: [map here] 30 minutes drive east of Taihape
Prices: Whitewater (Grade 5) $149, Scenic (Grade 2) Adult $149, Child $79 (under 13).

Contact person(s): Brian Megaw
Address: Mangahoata Rd, Pukeokahu, Taihape
Postal Address: RD 2, Taihape
Phone: +64 6 388 1444
Freephone: 0800 248666
Fax: +64 6 388 1859
Email: thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz
Website: www.rivervalley.co.nz