Clarence River rafting, January 2021
Sunset beside the Clarence, just up from the SH1 bridge at the coast
Getting ready to set off, at the confluence of the Clarence and Acheron rivers
A narrower section on the upper river
One of a few points where we disembarked to scout the route ahead. Day 1 featured some of the most challenging sections
A fun swifter section
Scouting the route to the 'Chute', deemed the crux of the entire journey. Here is a nice example of the geomorphic rock formations beside the upper river
Looking at the Chute
At our campsite beside the true right of the river, end of Day 1 - about 4.5 hours of rafting
Preparing to set off, beginning of Day 2
Enjoying a calm section
A bit more action on this section
A wide basin offering panoramic landscapes, which contrasted with other sections hemmed in by steep cliffs
The riverside, below Palmer Hut
Our setdown point beneath Palmer Hut
Palmer Hut, stopping for lunch on Day 2
Back on the river heading northeast
Intrepid cows on the true right of the river
One of many Willows along the journey
At our campsite beside the true right of the river, end of Day 2 - about 9 hours of rafting
At our campsite beside the river, end of Day 2
Sunset, looking north to the inland Kaikouras
Sunset, looking south back upriver
Sunset, looking north to the inland Kaikouras
Sunset, looking north to the inland Kaikouras. Tapuae o Uenuku is the dark pyramid left of centre
A stop to get water from a tributary stream on Day 3. Clarence's water was ok to drink but not as clear as some of the tributaries
The calm water position
At our lunch spot, Day 3
A fun swifter section
A fun swifter section
Snowgrass Hut, end of Day 3 - about 7 hours of rafting
At our campsite near Snowgrass Hut, end of Day 3
Other rafters on the river, Day 4
Other rafters on the river
At our lunch spot, Day 4
At our campsite beside the river, end of Day 4 - about 6.5 hours of rafting
Sunset from our campsite
Preparing to set off, beginning of Day 5
The scenery on Day 5 above the farmland was some of the most beautiful of the journey
Looking southwest to the seaward Kaikouras
Looking southwest to the seaward Kaikouras
Looking southwest to the seaward Kaikouras
Looking southwest to the seaward Kaikouras
We had to line the raft through this treacherous section of submerged Willow roots
Signs of farming country on the lower section of the river - sheep sheltering from the wind
A view west as the river broadens out near the coast
Looking west back upriver
Looking west
Looking west to the rail bridge near SH1
Looking west from the river mouth
The team at the completion of our journey, at the river mouth, midday, Day 5
Read about it Paddling between giants Wilderness Magazine Nov 2021
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