In the forgotten backcountry of Marlborough wedged between two mountain ranges lies the Clarence River. It descends from the Spenser Mountains through some of the most remote country on the eastern side of the South Island of New Zealand to the sea just north of Kaikoura.
This river valley offers the longest river journey in New Zealand (210kms). The journey begins at the confluence of the Acheron & Clarence Rivers behind Hanmer Springs in the foothills of Canterbury and is a classic trip that takes five days to complete.
It is a journey that just about anyone can do as it is does not have fearsome rapids – up to grade 3 on a 1-6 scale.
It offers an adventure families and friends can experience together – travelling on the ever changing river, living beside the river in a new place every day, exploring places you have never been, learning new skills and of flora & fauna, cooking and eating outdoors, sharing the company of each other without the electronic wizardry of today. Distilling life to its most simple – a common purpose then shelter, food, warmth and company.
Imagine sharing this with your family and friends – a holiday with a difference!
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1
Meet at Clarence Township (early) and head on up to Hanmer and over Jacks Pass to the Clarence/Acheron confluence. Inflate rafts, pack the gear, learning as we go how to do it and we are off – easy quiet braided river to practice on before we head through the first gorge and a few interesting rapids. After awhile we come across a spot we call “big Eddy” our camp site for the night.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast we’re on the river, a great chance to take in the magnificent mountain surroundings today. We pass through the second gorge on the river and camp near Quail Flat.
Day 3
The middle Clarence is open and farmed – we stop by Muzzle Station – New Zealand’s most remote farm, nice rapids and braided river channels. Much pioneer human history here. We camp near the confluence of the Dart Stream.
Day 4
All day today in the Sawtooth Gorge, where the river twists back and forth like a saw blade. Towering cliffs and some very nice rapids give drama to the scene – we camp at the tail end of the gorge
Day 5
We break out into wide open braided river surrounded by farmland which develops into a rapid filled finale completing our river journey at the sea. Unpack the rafts for the last time and with a feeling of satisfaction from adventure completed, head happily and contented for home.
All rafting equipment provided
All food provided
All Transport provided from Clarence Bridge Township
Guides are veterans of many Clarence River descents and all hold current NZ raft guide qualifications.
Price per participant $1275
Minimum number is 4 folks desiring an adventure. Large groups are great too!
To book contact Wilderness Guides info@wildernessguidesnz.com or phone +64 3 5735432 or 0800 266 266 within NZ
Detailed packing list and logistics are provided at time of booking.
These trips are operated by Wally Bruce.
Wally has been a raft guide since 1979 and an adventure tour guide since that time.
From 1982 – 1999 Wally operated guided rafting trips on the Clarence River and in fact he was among the first commercial operators on the river. In recent years Wally has been an adventure tour guide leading hiking and biking trips in New Zealand and all over the world. In 2002 Wally guided a raft on an 18 day Grand Canyon Trip. Recently Wally has returned to permanently live in New Zealand. Still wishing to share his adventurous spirit with others he will operate a limited number of Clarence River trips each summer from now on and it is Wilderness Guides pleasure to promote these as we have known Wally since we bought our business from him in 1999. Wally brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to each and every trip.
Wally would love to talk to you about your Clarence River Adventure if at all possible. Please contact us for this to happen.