Copy Supporting an Application for Water Conservation Order on the Ngaruroro River from Whitewater NZ Legal and common names for our Organisation: Whitewater NZ Incorporated (Legal Name); Whitewater NZ Inc, Whitewater NZ (other common names) Signatory of Application: Graeme Wilson; Acting President Contact Details: Graeme Wilson 9 Amamoor Street Northwood Christchurch 8051 03 323 8623 027 480 2405 vicepresident@rivers.org.nz Whitewater NZ Whitewater NZ is the national organisation representing recreational white water canoeing and kayaking in New Zealand. Our purpose is to preserve New Zealand's white water resources and enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. Whitewater NZ advocates for access to and conservation of rivers with outstanding white water amenity as well as facilitating safety and education amongst our membership and the wider kayaking community. The work of Whitewater NZ is coordinated by the executive and officers. These people work with kayaking clubs and individuals around the country to support advocacy and other activities. 1
Whitewater NZ is a voluntary non-profit incorporated society and is affiliated to the NZ Canoe Federation which is a member of the International Canoe Federation (ICF). The organisation was formed in 1957 and was known as the New Zealand Canoe Association (NZCA) until 1995 and New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association (NZRCA) until 2010. Attributes of the Ngaruroro River Physical description The Ngaruroro River rises in the eastern edge of the volcanic plateau, southeast of Lake Taupo and north of the Taihape to Napier highway. After leaving the tussock country of the upland plateau at the top of the river it flows down through a series of wild and scenic gorges through beech forest of the Otutu Bush and the Kaweka Forest and then into manuka forest to pass between the Kaweka Range and the Burns Range at Kuripapango, where the Taihape to Napier Road crosses the river. From there the river continues south through further confined gorges where it is joined by the Taruarau, its major tributary, before heading off in an easterly direction emerging onto the Hawkes Bay plains near Whanawhana, between the Kaweka Range to the north and the Ruahine Range to the south. The river then becomes braided as it travels down to the coast in Hawkes Bay entering the sea south of Napier and north of Hastings. The Taruarau River, rises immediately to the west of the Ngaruroro River between the Tawake Tohunga Range and the Golden Hills, in an area of dry, barren rolling tussock country. The river travels south into a deep scrub covered valley with impressive rocky crags overhanging the river bed [1] and finally is crossed by the Taihape to Napier Road. Below the road the river drops into enclosed gorges before swinging east to finally flow into the Ngaruroro River below the Lower Gorge. Description of the kayaking runs Ngaruroro River The Ngaruroro River offers kayakers a range of paddling experiences. They include two outstanding multiday wilderness kayaking trips, both of which are of a moderate class or difficulty (see Appendix I for a description of river class). Multiday kayaking runs are rare in New Zealand. Landscape, vegetation, wilderness, scenery and class of rapids vary over the length of the river. The sections that are kayaked include: 1. The upper river from Boyd Hut or Ngaawapurua Hut down to the Cameron carpark at Kuripapango or down to the Kuripapango bridge; 2. The Oxbow, which is a short section from the Cameron car park down to the Kuripapango bridge; 3. The lower river from Kuripapango bridge to the next road access at Whanawhana; and 4. The braided river below Whanawhana to the coast. The Upper River is normally accessed by helicopter or fixed wing flight to the airstrip below Boyd Hut, which is a little below the junction of the Te Waiotupuritia and Mangamingi Streams, or by helicopter to the Ngaawapurua Hut. Kayakers then take two to three days to run the river down to Kuripapango, on the Taihape to Napier Road [1-3], or may continue further on down to Whanawhana. The river passes mainly through DoC land, and several huts are available for use. 2
This is an outstanding wild and scenic kayaking run. Landing at the Boyd airstrip after a successful flight from Taupo and team adrenaline and excitement levels building at the beginning of a three day adventure with over 100km of paddling. Part of the adventure is getting to wilderness areas. Auckland University Canoe Club (AUCC) trip October 2012. Photo: Ross Whittome. The river starts out as a relatively small braided river in the upper reaches with Class I to II white water in open tussock country. The river then passes down through small gorges, which gradually increase in height as the river descends first into hills covered in scrub and flax and then into gorges surrounded by beech forest. The flow in the river steadily increases from the many small streams flowing into it. The river bed is largely confined to a single channel with a combination of boulder and bedrock rapids. Passage down many of the Class II to III rapids is very tight and difficult in rafts and catarafts, especially in lower flows, but easier in kayaks. Many of the rapids have small steep drop offs down through boulders close to cliff faces. Paddlers have to be careful to avoid pinning (getting stuck) on rocks in such tight rapids. Travel down the upper river to Ngaawapurua Hut, where there is also good camping in the beech forest, and down to Rocks Ahead Hut, is relatively slow in lower flows of about 10 cumecs or so, as the river twists and turns and drops down through many tight Class II to III rapids. There are one or two tight technical Class III+ rapids. A little below Rocks Ahead Hut, the rate of travel down the river picks up. The tight Class III rapids remain, but down to and below the Kiwi Mouth Hut the flatter reaches of the river become longer and straighter between corners and at times between rapids. At Cameron Hut, where there is also good camping, the vistas up onto the surrounding hills are spectacular, as the surrounding country is very precipitous. Good Class II to III white water continues down to the gauging site cableway above the campground and Cameron carpark, although there are some longer sections with fewer rapids. 3
Upper Ngaruroro River tussock flats. Photo: Eric Martinot. Clear blue, cold crisp drinking water with an abundance of trout in the upper tussock clad reaches of the Ngaruroro River. Photo: Ross Whittome. 4
A section of the Upper Ngaruroro in the transition from high country tussock to pristine beech forest. Hidden Valley s four day raft descent with about 20 people October 2012. Photo: Doug Rankin. In the beech forest zone on the Upper Ngaruroro, crystal clear water, good white water and beautiful scenery. Typical tight rocky Class III rapid. Hidden Valley s raft descent October 2012. Photo: Doug Rankin. 5
Campsite at the old Forestry Service Omarukokere bivouac in the Upper Ngaruroro, with a bonfire at night beside the river. Part of the magic of a river journey. At this point the party had seen about three people all day so there are a few hunters and fisherman up in the upper river. AUCC trip October 2012. Photo: Ross Whittome. Throughout the river, the scenery from river level is outstanding. Especially notable is the progressive change in vegetation cover down the river from tussock to scrub country to beech forest and finally into the manuka forest lower down towards Kuripapango. Trout and eels are often visible in pools when the river is low and clear. The river is very remote and has a very strong wilderness feel. Kayaking parties venturing down the river have to be capable, self-sufficient and independent, and able to kayak with their boats full of camping gear. Some kayaking trips are made with raft support. Weather on the river can be inclement at times and flows can rise quickly, and so parties have to be competent and equipped to deal with such conditions and make appropriate decisions. This type of environment, where the scenic and wilderness vales are very high, where the river features challenge the river users and offer the possibility of multiday trips, and where climatic conditions and remoteness also may provide a challenge, is highly prized by river users. It makes the Ngaruroro River outstanding. The Oxbow is a good section of Class II water from the DoC campground down to the Taihape- Napier Road bridge at Kuripapango. This is frequently used by campers in the area over summer to float down in all sorts of craft, and is an ideal nursery ground for canoe club members, youngsters, schools and families alike to be introduced to white water. The reach is widely used by members of the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club for training novice kayakers. The Lower Gorge run from Kuripapango to Whanawhana is accessed from the campground or from just above the Taihape-Napier Road bridge. This is another outstanding wilderness run. This is usually a two day Class III-IV trip, but in high water is a Class IV trip and can be run as a very long day trip. 6
From Kuripapango the river flows down a narrow rocky gorge, containing numerous Class II to III rapids for the first 10 km or so. This section of the river is often characterised by vertical schist rock walls and unbroken manuka landscape. This is very scenic but with a rugged character quite distinct from the Upper River run. The river then enters a 9 km rocky gorge where the rapids steadily build in intensity and difficulty to Class III+ and finally culminate in Barrier Falls or the Barricade, which is a Class IV narrow rock passage. All these rapids are portageable, thus meaning the river is more accessible to a variety of paddlers of different skill levels. There are three more Class III to IV rapids below Barrier Falls and then the river eases to Class III to II to the Taruarau confluence and then becomes a Class I-II quietly flowing river over a braided shingle river bed and passing through some further much more wide open gorge sections down to the Whanawhana takeout. Class II white water not far down below the Kuripapango get-in on the Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro River. Whitewater NZ and North Island Canoe Clubs descent October 2012. Photo: Doug Rankin. 7
Inflatable kayak and catarafts on the Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro River. Whitewater NZ and North Island Canoe Clubs descent October 2012. Photo: Brian Megaw. Challenging rapids in the Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro River below Kuripapango on the last day of a three-day AUCC journey from Boyd airstrip in 2012. The flow in the river lifted overnight by about a foot and resulted in a fantastic Class III-IV white water run on the last day. A kayaker is visible in an eddy in the background. Photo: Ross Whittome. 8
Kayaker on Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro Gorge. Note the bedrock lining the banks in this section of the river. Photo: Gwyn Ashcroft. Looking back up to Barrier Falls in the Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro. Whitewater NZ and North Island Canoe Clubs descent October 2012. This is a Class IV rapid. Photo: Doug Rankin. 9
Lunch stop on the Ngaruroro River about 10 km above Whanwhana, Whitewater NZ and North Island Canoe Clubs descent October 2012. Photo: Doug Rankin This section is 39km long and best run as an overnight wilderness trip taking camping gear in one s kayak but can be run as a long day trip, especially in higher flows. Thus the lower gorge with its manuka native bush and surrounding steep and rugged the hills also provides an impressive and scenic wilderness area [1] and a multiday trip that can be accessed by car and that can be run in a weekend. The section includes a gorge containing more challenging white water than in the upper river, which provides just enough excitement for most competent parties. These features make this reach outstanding. The Lower Ngaruroro River from Whanawhana to the coast is used by flat water paddlers and multi-sport paddlers training for events such as the Coast to Coast. It is largely Class I, but with some hazard from overhanging willows. Taruarau River The Taruarau River is the major tributary of the Ngaruroro River and flows south to the West of the Ngaruroro River to join it below the lower Ngaruroro Gorge. It contains a steep and difficult gorge that is accessed below the Napier-Taihape Road, which requires high or spring flows to run [2]. This section of river is suited to advanced and expert kayakers. It offers a fantastic two day Class IV kayaking trip. This is only runnable after some rain or snowmelt, and can be done in one long day with enough water. There is a DoC hut in the Ruahine Range that can be used halfway down. From the Napier-Taihape Road the river quickly descends over a rocky boulder bed into a gorge containing tight Class II to III+ rapids as the river travels in a southerly direction parallel to the Sparrowhawk Range. The river then turns east and descends into the Top Gorge with more difficult rapids of Class III+ to IV down to the Timahanga confluence. The river then eases to Class II water down to the entrance of the Lower Gorge, where a further gorge section of more difficult 10
Class IV water is found down to about 1.5 km above the Ngaruroro confluence. The river is very remote [2]. Value and use of the runs Kayaker on the Taruarau River. Photo: Gwyn Ashcroft The Ngaruroro is widely used by kayakers, rafters and white water adventurers both from the Hawkes Bay and nationally. On recent descents of the Upper River and Lower Gorge wilderness runs in October 2012 paddlers came from as far afield as Harihari on the West Coast of the South Island, Geraldine, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua, Opotiki and Auckland and descended the river in plastic kayaks, inflatable kayaks, rafts and catarafts. The Ngaruroro contains consistent Class II and III rapids, and a few higher Class IV rapids, making the river accessible and challenging to a wide range of white water kayakers, and especially intermediate kayakers. Combined with the wilderness and scenic values, the white water values produce an outstanding river. The strong wilderness feel in the Lower Gorge is summed up by a River Valley rafting client who commented A highlight was the total sense of isolation and wilderness that began within 10 minutes of launching the rafts and lasted until we saw some fishermen an hour before reaching the takeout. The outstanding nature of the Ngaruroro River is also supported and recognised by the New Zealand Rivers Association for Professional Guides (NZRA), which represents the commercial river guiding industry in New Zealand, and raft guiding and river boarding in particular. The NZRA has provided a letter supporting this submission (Appendix II). The Ngaruroro River provides an exceptional opportunity for a true wilderness rafting adventure. The attributes that combine to create this opportunity include numerous Class II-III and some Class IV rapids set in a beautiful landscape in two sections of river. The most exceptional feature is its true wilderness values, with such relatively long distances able to be covered without encountering agriculture or industry or their ill effects, from the Boyd Hut in the upper river down to Whanawhana. 11
In addition, some additional supporting evidence for the rafting values and use of the Ngaruroro River has been provided by Gwyn Ashcroft, a member of NZRA (Appendix III). The river, with the Class II Oxbow section, is also an ideal nursery for developing paddlers from the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club (HBCC), school groups, youth groups and visitors to the region. Many HBCC members have grown up and developed on the river, and have taken advantage of the progression in white water skill development that the river offers. Many families have introduced their youngsters to white water on this reach of water. The entire river is navigable, although higher flows make the upper section easier to run. The river has a consistent gradient providing continual rapids throughout much of its length. The white water, the ability to paddle through such a diverse array of landscape and vegetation on one river, the ability to raft or kayak for three or four days without seeing a road, while staying in huts, and 100 km of navigable, unpolluted river make the Ngaruroro a sought-after river. Graham Charles notes of the Upper River from Boyd Hut to Kuripapango that This is a fabulous and rare beginner/ intermediate self-support trip [3]. At times of higher flows, the Lower Gorge offers a demanding Class IV run, as does the Taruarau River. When it is up, the Taruarau River is one of the runs of choice used by experienced Hawkes Bay kayakers wanting a Class IV run. Flow requirements The Upper Ngaruroro River and Lower Gorge are very slow and difficult to navigate below flows of 5 cumecs (640 mm gauged at Kuripapango), and between 5 and 10 cumecs (10 cumecs is 805 mm gauged at Kuripapango) are rocky and not so good for beginners. For flows of 10 to 40 cumecs (40 cumecs is 1275 mm gauged at Kuripapango) both runs are good for kayaking and rafting, with a flow of about 15 cumecs (910 mm gauged at Kuripapango) being most suitable for intermediate kayakers. As flows increase above 20 cumecs so does the size and the power in the hydraulic features of many of the rapids, increasing their technical difficulty and making group and incident management more challenging. Above flows of 40 cumecs the river is approaching flood stage, where river users need to be highly skilled and aware of the risks of flooded rivers. Flows in the river can rise very rapidly in intense rain events (and correspondingly fall relatively rapidly once the rain stops) and paddlers venturing on the river at such times need to be able to handle such conditions. Ranking the kayaking values of the Ngaruroro and Taruarau Rivers within the New Zealand context In the 1981 Recreational River Survey of New Zealand s Rivers (NZRRS) the following rankings (Table 1) were given for the recreational and scenic values of the Ngaruroro and Taruarau Rivers [4]. Table 1. Values assessed in the 1981 New Zealand Recreational River Survey River Recreational Value a Scenic Value b Ngaruroro, Upper High Impressive Ngaruroro, Lower Gorge Exceptional Impressive 12
Ngaruroro, Lower Intermediate Moderate Taruarau Low Impressive a Ranked on a four point scale of low, intermediate, high and exceptional (low reflects a valueless and mediocre rating on users numbers whereas exceptional reflects an extreme ranking). b Ranked on a six point scale of dull, uninspiring, moderate, picturesque, impressive, exceptional. At that time a complete descent of the Taruarau River had not been made and the low recreational value was largely ascribed on this basis. The high and exceptional recreational values ascribed to the Upper Ngaruroro and Lower Gorge, respectively, were primarily for the kayaking values of the runs. The intermediate value for the lower Ngaruroro (Whanawhana down) was largely for the jet boating values, as the survey assessed a number of recreational uses, not just kayaking values. In 1991 the New Zealand Canoeing Association (now Whitewater NZ) conducted the River Use Survey (RUS) to determine the relative values of the then top 200 kayaking runs in New Zealand [5]. Six hundred kayakers throughout New Zealand were surveyed and those that had run the Ngaruroro were asked to rate the overall importance, scenic beauty and wilderness feeling attributes of the river according to the criteria and scales outlined in the footnotes to Table 2. Mean ratings and New Zealand wide rankings were then determined for the Upper and Lower Gorge Ngaruroro River runs (Table 2). The Taruarau River was not included in the survey as it was not widely paddled at that time. Table 2. Values assessed in the 1991 NZCA River Use Survey (ranks in parentheses are for North Island rivers only) Ngaruroro River Rating Overall importance a Scenic beauty b Wilderness feeling c Rank Rank for Class III-III+ rivers 13 Rating Rank Rating Rank to Kuripapango 4.11 16 (8) 5 (2) 4.51 3 (2) 4.74 3 (2) Kuripapango to 3.89 27 (13) 12 (4) 4.14 22 (12) 4.14 8 (6) Whanawhana a Rated on a five point scale: little or no importance (1), minor importance (2), moderately important (3), important (4), extremely important (5). b Rated on a five point scale: not attractive (1), moderately attractive (2), attractive (3), very attractive (4), inspiring (5). c Rated on a five point scale: no wilderness feeling (1), little wilderness feeling (2), some wilderness feeling (3), strong wilderness feeling (4), exceptional wilderness feeling (5). The data in Table 2 show that the two main kayaking runs on the Ngaruroro rate highly amongst all of the runs throughout New Zealand, and in particular amongst runs of similar classes of difficulty. The mean wilderness feeling and scenic beauty ratings of the Upper River, and the New Zealand and North Island rankings, reflect the outstanding natural beauty it has compared with many other rivers throughout New Zealand, and also throughout the North Island. For example, the wilderness feeling and scenic beauty values are ranked second only to the Gorges on the Motu River in the North Island, which has a Water Conservation Order (WCO) on it. These values complement the ranking of this run as the 16 th most important run in New Zealand (8 th in the North Island) for kayaking values over all rivers, including ones of higher Classes of technical difficulty. The lower Gorge run shows slightly lower ratings and rankings, but nevertheless is amongst the top 30 kayaking runs in the country. Both runs offer outstanding multiday wilderness white water river journeys of intermediate
difficulty, which are rare in New Zealand. The overall importance rankings are similar to rankings of various rivers that have WCOs on them, including for kayaking values on similar class water, such as the Ahuriri, Manganui-a-te-ao, Whanganui, Rangitata, Buller, and Mohaka. This data clearly shows the outstanding value of the Ngaruroro River in the national context. The value of the Taruarau has increased greatly since these surveys as it has been paddled more and more frequently. It offers an outstanding creek boating run. Such higher Class harder white water runs are highly valued components of New Zealand s network of white water rivers. They offer supreme challenges to developing experienced and expert kayakers and are sought after by those capable of running them. In 2010 a regional white water kayaking study was conducted by the Hawkes Bay Regional Council using the River Values Assessment System (RiVAS) [6]. The RiVAS study identified the significant kayaking rivers and runs in the region using an expert panel of local kayakers, and ranked river reaches according to their total scores determined using a multi-criteria analysis methodology. There are some reservations about the validity of the methodology [6, 7] and particularly how rivers are determined or categorized as being nationally, regionally or locally significant when using data only captured in one region [7]. Nevertheless the combined runs on the Ngaruroro River featured high up in the overall scores, ranking overall equal to the combined runs on the Mohaka River, which has a WCO. Thus, the ranking of the Ngaruroro River by the RiVAS study is not inconsistent with the relative ranking measured in earlier studies, notwithstanding the reservations surrounding the RiVAS methodology. Requirements for continued enjoyment of the river by white water kayakers and rafters To maintain this outstanding kayaking resource, Whitewater NZ advocates the preservation of the wilderness, landscape, and flora values and flow and rapids of both the Ngaruroro and Taruarau Rivers from their headwaters down to Whanawhana. The surrounding land, river bed and flows should be allowed to remain in their natural state as much as possible down to Whanawhana. The Upper Taruarau catchment should be protected from inappropriate farm development that might lead to degraded water quality as much as possible, in order to preserve the flow and water quality in the lower Ngaruroro to Whanawhana and below, and for other recreational users and wildlife. Similarly, the NZRA advocates appropriate measures be put in place to protect the flows and surroundings of the Ngaruroro River from any negative impact from farming or forestry intensification, hydro-electric development and vehicular access into its upper or lower gorges, in order to preserve this resource. Conclusion The combined value of the white water runs on the Ngaruroro River and the Taruarau River make it an outstanding kayaking and rafting resource deserving of a Water Conservation Order. In addition, we are aware other values, such as fishing values, are also outstanding in the national context. The fishing values add to the white water values, and those of other recreational users, such as jet boaters, and wildlife in the lower river. References 14
1. G D Egarr and J H Egarr, New Zealand Recreational River Survey Part II North Island Rivers, Water and Soil Miscellaneous Publication No 14, National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation, 1981. 2. Graham Egarr, New Zealand s North Island Rivers - A Guide for Canoeists and Rafters, David Bateman Ltd, 1989. 3. Graham Charles, Whitewater New Zealand - 125 Great Kayaking Runs, Craig Potton Publishing, Revised Edition, 2006 (4 th Edition). 4. G D Egarr and J H Egarr, New Zealand Recreational River Survey Part I Methods and Conclusions, Water and Soil Miscellaneous Publication No 13, National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation, 1981. 5. M J Unwin, Brief of evidence of Martin John Unwin in the matter of an inquiry into the Draft National Water Conservation (Buller River) Order 1989. 6. Booth, K, Bellamy, S, England, A, Hales, W, Kelly, B, Mahoney, M, Reed, C and Sevicke-Jones, G (2012), Whitewater Kayaking in Hawke's Bay: An Application of the River Values Assessment System (RiVAS). Land Environment and People Research Paper No. 12 HBRC Plan No: 4373, Lincoln University, Canterbury. 7. D A Rankin, N Earnshaw, I M G Fox and T Botterill, Kayaking on Canterbury Rivers: reaches, values, and flow requirements, Report No. R14/31, Environment Canterbury Regional Council, February 2014. Graeme Wilson Acting President Whitewater NZ 5 November 2015 15
Appendix I - International White Water Classification System The international river classification grading system acknowledges six classes or grades of white water, broadly described as follows: Class I - flat moving water. Current is slow to moderate, and the route is obvious so little need to manoeuvre is required. Class II - moving water with a few obstacles and challenges. Some ability to manoeuvre is required. Water features such as small waves, hydraulics and drops exist. The route is reasonably clear. Class III - intermediate water. Ability to manoeuvre in turbulent water is required. Water features such as irregular waves, hydraulics and drops exist. Route requires experience to determine, and a self-recovery roll is important. Class IV - advanced. Very challenging water. Frequently checked from the bank prior to running and often safety is put in place using throw-ropes beforehand. The way through the rapid is often not obvious so a sound ability to manoeuvre in powerful and turbulent water is required. Water features such as large and irregular waves, powerful hydraulics and significant drops exist. Route requires experience to determine, and a reliable self-recovery roll is extremely important. Class V - expert. This steps up again on Class IV. Extremely difficult, and extremely consequential if mistakes are made. Class VI - the limit. Rarely if ever run. Highly risky even for the top tier of paddlers. These classes are sometimes expressed with intermediate steps for example, a Class III+ run is harder than a Class III, but not as hard as a Class IV run. Sometimes a Class III+ run might be described as a Class IV- run. 16
Appendix II Letter of Support from the New Zealand Rivers Association 17
Appendix III Ngaruroro and Taruarau River White Water Users (Gwyn Ashcroft, Mohaka Rafting) Ngaruroro and Taruarau River Whitewater Users The Ngaruroro river consists of a number of sections; 1. The Upper river from Boyd Lodge or Ngaawapurua hut down to Kuripapango bridge. This takes 2-4 days depending on the flow and is grade III for much of the way, easing to grade II below Kiwi Mouth hut. This is mainly through DoC land, and several huts are available for use. 2. The Oxbow. A short section from the Cameron carpark at Kuripapango down to the Kuripapango bridge. This is easy grade II, and is often rafted and tubed by families and school groups that are camping at the DoC campground. 3. The Lower river from Kuripapango bridge to the next road access at Whanawhana. This is usually a 2 day, grade III trip, but in high water is a Grade IV day trip. 4. The Braided river below Whanawhana to the coast. This gets used by flat water paddlers for occasional kayak trips. It is grade I, but with some hazard due to overhanging willows and jet-boat traffic. The Taruarau is a tributary of the lower Ngaruroro. It is accessed from the Napier-Taihape road, and offers a fantastic 2 day, grade IV trip. This is only runnable after some rain or snowmelt, and can be done in a long day with enough water. There is a DoC hut in the Ruahines that can be used halfway down. More information on all of these rivers is at;http://rivers.org.nz/nz/hawkes-bay. All river level readings refer to the Kuripapango gauge, online at; http://edenz.niwa.co.nz/map/plot?name=ngaruroro+at+kuripapango+%28river+flow%29 In an effort to quantify the usage of the Ngaruroro river, the following groups were contacted; Air Transport Operators Access to the upper section of the Ngaruroro (Boyd to Kuripapango) is by air, with a landing strip at Boyd Lodge, and helipads at the other DoC huts (Ngaawapurua being the most popular choice of starting point). HeliSika 1-3 groups per year, 2-8pax per group. Usually into Ngaawapurua. Heli Hunt + Fish Not yet responded Lakeland Aviation 3-4 groups per year, 2-8pax per group. To Boyd/Ngaawapurua. East Kaweka Helicopters Approx. 6 groups per year, 2-4pax per group. Usually to Ngaawapurua. Air Charter Taupo Not yet contacted. 18
Tihoi Venture School Tihoi venture school have been running 2 kayak trips per year down the Ngaruroro for many years, usually from Ngaawapurua hut. Numbers vary, but have been up to 16 boys per trip. One trip is summer, the other in winter. They access the river using Heli Hunt + Fish. Rafting Operators A number of rafting operators in the area offer trips on various sections of the Ngaruroro. Mohaka Rafting Offers a 3-4 day trip on the upper river, and a 2 day trip on the lower river. One trip down the upper river in 2012, with 5pax. River Valley Offers a 2 day trip on the lower river. Response from Brian Megaw. I am aware of the Water Conservation Order proposal and fully support it. We run trips October to December with the occasional winter private trip We only run the river commercially a couple of times per year and then only with small groups - no more than 6 pax at a time We have been doing this for the last 3 years We only run the Spring months because that is when there is enough water and the weather is warm enough - we have done one trip after Xmas and that was okay as it just happened to coincide with a lift after some rain. We access the river at Kuripapango by vehicle and run overnight trips down to Whanawhana. We do not run the upper section commercially, but may do so in future. I have run the upper section privately. The reasons why we run the Ngaruroro is that it is (in no particular order), accessible, very pretty, has a range of scenery, and a range of very different river conditions, has a lot of fun rapids and is a very enjoyable overnight trip. Rafting New Zealand Offers a 2 day trip on the lower river. Advertises 4 trips each spring. Not responded yet. Tongariro River Rafting Not responded yet. Hidden Valley Ran a large trip on the upper river in 2012, approx 25pax. Response from a couple of participants. Many thanks to Grant South for supplying these. 19
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The Ngaruroro was subject to rain preceding our arrival so water levels for October/November were up a little, making it pleasant boating. Any lower and we would have been doing a bit more pushing in the rapids. Everyone flew by fixed-wing into an airstrip in the headwaters with the gear arriving by helicopter. We then set up camp for the night, waking to a frost and magic day. This is a relatively open area with the bush set well back from the river which had just enough water to boat comfortably. We had five people rafts and one gear raft from memory, plus Doug in his inflatable double pontoon boat giving a total of about twenty odd characters. Having sorted the tricky stuff it is off down the river with all the unknown and three more nights of camping to look forward to. I'm not about to give a blow by blow account but rather the things that leave a lasting impression. From a rafting perspective it wasn't too demanding and the degree of difficulty wasn't related to the volume of the boat captain, but the river gradually entered a gorge that encompassed the bulk of our trip. This area had native bush which appeared to be more established the further downstream we travelled. It is also an area popular with hunters although we never saw any animals this trip. The water clarity was excellent; we were able to spot a number of large fish and occasional eels which again surprised me during daytime. No doubt we would all have enjoyed fish for dinner but all we got were excuses. We only saw a couple of Blue Duck (Whio) which was disappointing as we had seen more on the Motu and Mohaka. These stops with an open fire and a brew are a big reason for coming on these trips. Particularly in the evening when various forms of medication come out and we can sit around sorting through the problems of the world and try to understand how other people live and think. Our group is always such a diverse and interesting bunch that it is always rewarding. Beyond that it is always grounding to be away from the things that complicate our daily lives and the wilderness experience seems to highlight what really matters. So in summary, it is the total experience that we value so much, and the ability to raft these lovely rivers is integral to that experience. Long may it last. Gavin Craig This suggests that the average year sees about12-15 groups use the upper river with a total number of people about 60-80. DoC The upper river flows in part through the Kaimanawa and Kaweka forest Parks. DoC should be able to supply information regarding consented usage. Historical usage may be gauged from inspecting old hut books. Contact has been made with Hayden Barrett (Napier DoC office, 06 834 4844, 027 703 8333) who has been very helpful in allowing access to old hut books. The DoC huts currently in use are; Boyd Lodge, Ngaawapura Hut, Omarukokere Bivvy, Rocks Ahead Hut, Kiwi Mouth Hut and Cameron Hut. What follows is just a sample of the data; there are hut books available that date back to the 1960's. Ngaawapura Hut 1991-04-13 to 1994-09-15 Date Pax Craft Notes 1991-04-28 4 Raft From Boyd 1991-12-03 2 Raft 22
Date Pax Craft Notes 1992-01-03 4 Raft 1992-01-07 4 Raft From Boyd 1992-12-29 4 Raft Ngaawapura Hut 2001-10-25 to 2006-12-18 Date Pax Craft Notes 2002-01-11 2 Raft From Boyd, To Rocks Ahead 2002-10-14 1 Raft 2004-03-06 6 Kayak 2005-01-01 5 Kayak 2005-04-15 5 Raft/Kayak 2005-10-29 3 Kayak From Boyd, River at 1000mm 2006-04-15 2 Raft 2006-11-11 2 Raft From Boyd Rocks Ahead Hut 1991-04-14 to 1998-12-17 Date Pax Craft Notes 1991-10-26 5 Raft From Boyd 1991-12-08 2 Raft 1992-01-05 4 Raft 1992-01-09 4 Raft 1993-01-02 4 Raft From Boyd 1993-02-21 2 Raft 1994-11-06 2 Kayak Evacuated by Helicopter after 2 days of flooding 1994-11-10 Raft/Kayak SAR looking for overdue raft trip 1995-02-11 4 Inflatable Canoe 1995-03-08 2 Raft 1995-11-12 2 Raft 1996-10-27 6 Raft 1996-10-29 4 Raft 1996-11-20 3 Raft 1997-01-04 4 Raft 1997-03-02 4 Raft 1997-10-15 4 Raft 1997-11-08 9 Raft From Ngaawapura. Outdoors Hawkes Bay 1998-06-12 2 Raft 1998-07-25 2 Raft 1998-11-26 2 Raft Rocks Ahead Hut 2003-05-29 to 2010-08-11 Date Pax Craft Notes 23
Date Pax Craft Notes 2004-03-06 6 Kayak 2004-04-11 1 Raft 2004-10-08 2 Raft 2005-10-29 3 Kayak From Boyd 2005-10-30 2 Raft 2007-04-07 3 Raft/Kayak 2007-10-24 3 Kayak 2007-11-25 18 Kayak Tohoi Venture School 2007-11-26 3 Raft 2007-12-28 3 Raft 2008-02-13 1 Raft 2008-06-15 14 Kayak Tohoi Venture School 2008-11-23 17 Raft Tohoi Venture School 2009-01-08 2 Kayak 2009-01-13 3 Kayak 2009-03-05 2 Kayak 2009-06-22 16 Kayak Tohoi Venture School 2009-11-14 3 Raft 2009-11-24 4 Kayak From Boyd 2009-11-23 17 Kayak Tohoi Venture School 2010-02-15 4 Raft Kiwi Mouth Hut 1994-01-10 to 1997-04-23 Date Pax Craft Notes 1994-02-21 2 Raft Both Rafts sunk, so party walked out via Kiwi Saddle 1994-11-14 4 Kayak SAR team coming from Rocks Ahead, looking for overdue rafting trip 1995-01-29 2 Raft 1995-03-10 2 Raft 1995-06-05 4 Raft 1995-10-22 6 Raft 1995-11-14 2 Raft 1996-01-20 13 Kayak/Raft Tihoi Venture School 1996-02-21 3 Raft 1996-04-27 2 Raft 1996-10-28 6 Raft 1996-12-16 4 Raft 1997-01-05 4 Raft 1997-03-24 3 Raft Kiwi Mouth Hut 2003-05-29 to 2007-02-09 24
Date Pax Craft Notes 2003-09-06 4 Raft 2003-10-25 12 Raft 2004-01-07 3 Raft 2004-03-07 6 Kayak 2004-06-11 2 Raft 2005-01-02 5 Kayak 2005-10-29 3 Kayak 2006-01-28 3 Raft 2006-01-28 2 Raft 2007-01-13 3 Kayak/Raft Cameron Hut 1988-07-13 to 1993-05-14 Date Pax Craft Notes 1988-09-11 4 Canoe 1988-12-15 16 Raft From Boyd 1988-12-18 4 Tube 1989-01-18 3 Raft 1989-01-25 4 Raft 1989-02-09 2 Raft 1989-02-12 4 Raft 1989-02-12 2 Raft 1989-02-13 2 Raft 1989-03-27 4 Pack-float/Tube 1989-10-30 3 Raft 1989-11-03 6 Raft 1990-01-30 4 Raft 1990-04-28 2 Raft 1990-10-10 2 Raft 1990-12-31 4 Raft 1991-01-24 4 Raft 1991-03-11 3 Raft 1992-01-07 4 Raft 1992-12-31 4 Raft 1993-01-04 4 Raft From Boyd Cameron Hut 2003-05-29 to 2012-01-29 Date Pax Craft Notes 2003-10-25 11 Raft 2004-01-08 3 Kayak 2004-04-02 2 Raft 2004-12-04 6 Raft 2005-10-30 3 Kayak 25
Date Pax Craft Notes 2005-10-25 6 Raft 2005-11-06 2 Raft 2006-04-23 5 Raft 2006-11-17 2 Raft From Boyd 2007-04-14 3 Raft 2007-06-19 13 Kayak Tihoi Venture School 2007-10-25 3 Kayak/Raft 2007-11-27 18 Kayak Tihoi Venture School 2007-11-28 3 Raft From Kiwi Mouth 2007-12-01 2 Raft From Boyd 2007-12-03 4 Raft 2007-12-06 2 Raft 2007-12-15 1 Raft 2007-12-29 4 Tube 2007-12-30 3 Raft From Ngaawapura 2008-04-26 2 Raft 2008-11-25 17 Kayak Tihoi Venture School 2009-01-15 3 Kayak Tihoi Venture School 2009-01-15 4 Kayak 2009-02-07 2 Canoe/Raft 2009-03-06 2 Kayak 2009-06-24 16 Kayak Tihoi Venture School 2009-11-25 17 Kayak Tihoi Venture School 2010-02-19 4 Raft 2010-09-06 2 Raft 2010-11-06 5 Tube 2010-11-07 3 Tube 2010-11-23 26 Kayak Tihoi Venture School 2010-12-11 2 Tube 2011-01-01 4 Tube 2011-06-14 12 Kayak Tihoi Venture School 2011-10-22 2 Kayak 2011-11-01 6 Kayak 2011-11-18 3 Kayak 2012-01-06 2 Packraft The hut books are not completed by all hut users, and many groups would have camped rather than stay in the huts. Nevertheless, there is a fairly consistent pattern of usage over at least the past 25 years. Recreational Users This group probably represents the largest number of users, but the least quantifiable. The local paddling club (Hawkes Bay Canoe Club; http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/epotto/) have been 26
contacted, but no response yet. A message has been posted on the Whitewater NZ online forum; http://rivers.org.nz/ asking for information from recreational river users. Several local paddlers have been canvassed (including the author). Most of this usage is of the lower Ngaruroro in high water, which regularly gets paddled as a day trip after heavy rain. The river is navigable up to at least 4000mm. The following responses were obtained. I first paddled the oxbow section a few times (maybe 6) when learning to paddle in the late nineties. In the early 2000's I paddled the lower gorge three times with mixed groups of rafters, kayakers and duckies. Group sizes about four to eight. The lowest flow was.85, the highest about 1 on the gauge. In October of 2006, 2007 and 2009, I paddled the upper section with three people each time, two in duckies one in kayaks each time. Flow levels were between 1.2 and 1 on the gauge. I have paddled many of the north islands multi day trips, including the upper Rangitikei, the Motu, upper Mohaka, Waipunga. lower Manganui-a-te-ao, and of course the Whanganui. Whilst I don't recall many significant rapids on the Ngaruroro (like Boomer on the Rangitikei, the Motu slot and cascades, or Jailhouse rock on the Waipunga), overall I believe the overall quality of Ngaruroro trips based on wilderness values, water quality, wildlife and scenery and solitude to be extremely hard to beat. Whilst the huts on the upper trip may be seen as detracting from the wilderness experience by some, the amenities the provide are excellent and mean you can travel light. The main attraction of the upper trip to me is the fact you start paddling (Boyds) in alpine tussock, and have reasonably constant whitewater 'til the end through fantastic forest, river and mountain scenery. One day I intend to do both sections in one trip. I guess the feeling of remoteness is the most special thing about both trips. Garth Steven 021 936 106 We have paddled the upper Ngaruroro once, and cannot wait to get back in there again. Starting at Boyd, the river is fairly easy through tussock high country before entering the woodland and a small gorge. The paddling becomes more interesting, and continues at a remarkably constant pace for many hours of pleasant grade 3 in some stunning surrounds. The DoC huts spread down the river offer welcome shelter and allow for a much lighter raft and pleasant trip. All in all, one of the best multi-day trips I have ever done, and certainly comparable to established classics such as the Motu and Karamea. The lower Ngaruroro and the Taruarau are our local favourites for an exciting day's paddling after some rain. The lower Ngaruroro in flood becomes a big brown fast freight train of a river, whisking us along through some fantastic steep sided backcountry scenery. The rapids usually command the attention though, as we dodge the large stoppers and reactionary waves. The action culminates in the section known as the Barricades, and then calms down towards the braided section as the river enters the coastal plains. The Taruarau has a very remote feel to it as soon as it leaves the bridge at the put-in. Although it is initially a much smaller river, it gains momentum and volume throughout the run. The whitewater is more challenging than the Ngaruroro as the river goes through several narrow winding canyons with drops, twists and turns cut into the dark bedrock. We have yet to venture in there in high water, but we expect a fairly committing trip. There is a hut about halfway down, which would provide a welcome break in what is usually a very long day trip. Gwyn Ashcroft and the crew at Mohaka Rafting 06 839 1808 27
Just informing you of a group I was lucky to be part of on Labour weekend, 20-22 October 2012, Fly-in to Boyd's Hut in a fixed wing from Taupo - through Air Charter Taupo - 1 kayak and 1 raft - 4 people Spring flows, so little bit higher than normal but maybe 10-15 cumecs, though it did rain in the high waters on our last day and the river rose about 1 foot in height, I estimated around 30-40 cumecs flow. Thoughts were I should have brought a fishing rod, there were hundreds of fish near the start of the river, with clear blue water perfect for fly fishing in. I was attracted to it because I had heard about the river and had never had the funds to give it a proper go at it. I would recommend though the drive in section over two days as well, primarily because it would be an awesome taste of overnight kayaking with grade 3 rapids and the camp grounds we found would be fantastic for big groups. As far as difficulty goes, nothing really got much harder than grade 3+, with a few continuous rapids but plenty of pool drop style rapids mainly. If I was to do it again, I would raft/kayak the drive-in section from the bridge down over a weekend, but if I had time and the right team I would fly in with a raft and do some fishing/trekking up near the headwaters - it has a unique and stunning environment above the forests. Ross Whittome Regular users of the upper and lower river for many years, making about 2 trips a year in the springtime from Boys when conditions allow, or further down if the water is low. Main activity is fishing, so can take up to 5 days to get to Kuripapango. Fly in with Air Charter Taupo to Boyd, or East Kaweka Helicopters. Alan Cornwall, Bill Beaurepaire, Paul Bakker River Levels Feedback from Chris Crosse (East Kaweka Helicopters), Chris Wynn (Heli Hunt + Fish/Tihoi Venture school), and Gwyn Ashcroft (Mohaka Rafting) suggests that the usable water levels are; Upper river from Boyd; minimum of about 900mm to get a raft down, 750mm for kayaks. Upper river from Ngaawapurua; minimum of about 700mm for a raft, 600mm for kayaks. Above 1200mm the upper river gets more interesting and faster. This is the upper cut-off level for Tihoi Venture School trips. The upper cut-off level for Mohaka Rafting is 1500mm. The Oxbow is usable for rafting above about 700mm. Lower river; below 700mm it gets too narrow for rafts, but can be kayaked down to about 600mm. The Taruarau only has a visual gauge at the put-in. It is navigable above about 650mm. No information on an upper limit yet. 28