Waimakariri Guided Gorge Trip - Two Days
This two-day trip is the perfect introduction to the Waimakariri River, especially if you are based outside of Canterbury. This trip covers the full 70km river section of the famous Coast to Coast race course.
If you are travelling from overseas or another part of New Zealand and new to the Waimakariri River then this trip is the best option for you, especially if your Grade II Course hasn't been on the Waimakariri River. Let our instructor’s help you fine tune your river paddling skills with a full day of instruction on the Woodstock section of the river to get started on Day One. On Day Two you will paddle the famous Gorge section of the river. If you are anxious about the paddling section of the race then these two days will go a long way to easing your nerves. We cannot recommend this trip enough. For so many of our previous competitors this has been the difference between finishing the race and not.
Topsport's guided river trips are approved and highly recommend by the Kathmandu Coast to Coast River Safety Team
Download all the information you need to know about this course here:
to download: Information Pack Course Information
Day One
Welcome to the Waimakariri River. Day One is all about familiarising yourself with your multisport kayak and the features of the Waimakariri River. We will be paddling for a few hours at the Gorge Bridge in the morning before paddling down from a place called Woodstock in the afternoon. Paddling from Woodstock to the Gorge Bridge is the final 14km section of the Coast to Coast paddle. Our instructors will be focused on helping you to improving your current skills so you can navigate the river safely. We will be helping you to improve your forward paddling, your boat placement in technical features and your river reading skills. We will practice paddling bluffs, wave trains and others skills including edging and ferry gliding.
Day Two
Day two is a trip down the Waimakariri Gorge to Woodstock. This is a 55km paddle and will be approximately 5 to 6 hours of paddling. By the end of today you will have paddled the full 70km paddle section of the Coast to Coast over the two days and gained some invaluable skills and confidence along the way. This section today includes the famous Rock Gardens and the Gorge. Our instructors know this river better than anyone and will be guiding you safely down the river. They will help you identify effective lines for race lines and important landmarks and features along the way.
There is no better way to see the full 70km river section of the Coast to Coast Race.
Return transport from Christchurch is provided each day. Topsport Difference
- You can complete this course in your own multisport kayak or hire one of ours
- Return transport from Christchurch is provided each day
- You will be taught by our small highly advanced team of NZOIA qualified instructors
- This course is focused on ensuring your personal Coast to Coast success and improving your kayaking skills for race day.
Weather permitted this course covers the full 70km of the the Coast to Coast kayak stage. Kayak Hire
If you are travelling from out of town yes you can hire a multisport kayak from us.
to hire a kayak for your course. Travelling Athlete Info
If you are travelling from outside of Christchurch to spend some time with us on the river or over the mountain here is some information to help plan you trip.
Download the info here. Requirements
These requirements are in place for your safety and to ensure we can fit you in one of our boats (if required)
- You must have a Grade II Certificate
- You must be able to swim
- Be training most days and have a good base fitness
- Weigh less than 110kg
- Be shorter than 6'4.
Please to discuss options if you don’t the fit these requirements.