Canoeing the Waikato River

The Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand, beginning at Lake Taupo and the Huka Falls. Now heavily controlled in its upper reaches with numerous dams sinking many a great rapid.

The last dam ends just before Cambridge and you can start your journey there, if you want to add an extra day to your journey. It is a one day trip from Cambridge to Hamilton. I recommend starting your trip in Hamilton and making a two day trip of it. There are numerous uninhabited Islands in the center of the River and they are big enough to fix a couple of tents. The River moves quicker than walking pace and it is very difficult to paddle upstream so don't go canoeing passed your camp once set up for the night.

As the river's flow is highly regulated there is little worry of flooding except in the most exceptional rain. The river changes depth throughout and in one or two places your canoe may even touch the bottom. The water is fairly clean but I wouldn't drink it as Hamilton and other towns release their treated sewage into it.

Starting at Hamilton to Ngaruawahia is an easy trip. Passing Ngarauwahia you pass the residence of the Maori King. Just passed where the Waipa River joins are some Islands on which to camp.

The next day another easy trip to Huntly. You pass an old army camp and you can stop in Huntly for a serve of fish and chips and resume your journey. Just passed Huntly is a descent size Island where you can camp for the night.

The next day after some decent paddling you can arrange to be picked up a Meri Meri where the River again meets the main state highway.

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