Ultimate Descents New Zealand, Murchison, Tasman District

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Ultimate Descents New Zealand, Murchison, Tasman District
Image seperator, Ultimate Descents New Zealand white water specialists Whitewater rafting the Clarence river, East Coast South Island, New Zealand.
Ultimate Descent rafting and kayaking
Image seperator, Ultimate Descents New Zealand white water specialists
Wilderness rafting

We invite you to get back to nature on a wilderness rafting expedition.

White water rafting on South Island's Karamea, New Zealand's true widlerness adrenaline buzz

From the moment we leave the road-end to start the rafting journey, life becomes focused on simple pleasures. The sounds and the fragrance of the forest fill our senses, and fun, food and shelter become our priorities. We are totally self-sufficient with all supplies and equipment carried on our rafts, allowing us to set up camp when and wherever we want. Using driftwood and river stone we‘ll make cozy campfire settings for our nights by the river, with hearty meals cooked on an open fire rounding off the day's activity.


The Maruia Camp-Out "The fisherman's dream"

Spilling its waters from the mountains of the South Island's Lewis Pass, the Maruia River winds through a heavily forested valley and rural farmland before joining the Buller River near Murchison. Ease of access and convenient location combine with a spectacular and remote section of the river to make this trip a real gem. Both rafting and inflatable kayak options are available depending on group size and river levels, and for the keen angler, the Rainbow and Brown trout fishing is legendary giving you a great challenge and fun what ever your skill level. Don't forget to bring the sandfly protection.

Fishing shot. Fly fishing at its best on New Zealand's rivers accessed by raft

Day 1

Starts with packing expedition gear and driving to the put-in point. After rigging the rafts we‘re soon cruising through the beech forest looking for a good spot to break for a gourmet picnic lunch. In the afternoon the river becomes steeper and more confined and we shoot some of the bigger rapids of the trip, finally reaching our campsite with time to set up camp and relax or explore before evening sets in. Don't forget though if you are out to catch some fish then you and your guide will constantly be on the lookout making sure that you are ready for the known areas where the bigger fish tend to live all year round.

Day 2

Starts with a fresh, wholesome breakfast sets us on our way on the final day of our trip. With the gear packed it's straight back into the action as we tackle the Maruia‘s white water once more. The rafts and kayaks bob and weave their way around boulders and through waves in the isolated valley, crystal clear pools between rapids giving us time to drift, relax and take in the scenery. We can stop in many places along the river for a wee fishing break in areas that getting, to on foot are impossible. We can even drift the craft in the middle of the river to fish towards the sides, usually unheard off in the fishing community on a river. As we ride the final rapids the valley starts to open again and the river converges with the road to take us to our waiting transport that will take us back to Murchison for a shower and hot tub the ideal way to end a great trip.

Click here for gear requirements you need to bring on our wilderness trips.

River Class Trip Duration Departure Time Min age Price
3 2 day on demand 13yrs $450

Meals Provided Hot Tub Digital media
meal supplied shower / hot tub digital media

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CLARENCE RIVER JOURNEY

The swift waters of the Clarence flow though an isolated valley between the seaward and inland Kaikoura ranges on the East Coas of the South Island. This classic river journey starts high in the expansive alpine tussock-lands of Marlborough‘s outback, snaking its way through towering canyons of twisted rock strata, then opening out to braided riverbed before finally rushing to the sea in a roller coaster climax to the trip. This is one of New Zealand ‘s longest river journeys, allowing plenty of time to savour the moment and take in the spectacular mountain scenery, with every day bringing a new experience.

The campsites are varied and impressive, some nights camping beneath the shelter of willow trees, others on sandy beaches or amongst native manuka trees. Evenings are spent around the campfire, relaxing and recollecting the day‘s events or maybe searching the night sky, before finally drifting of to sleep to the sound of the river. In true expedition fashion all food and equipment is carried on the rafts, plenty of fresh, wholesome food produces the gourmet meals that our guides pride themselves on.

The combination of fine food, great camping and stunning scenery make the Clarence a unique river experience that people from all walks of life are sure to enjoy.

Click here for gear requirements you need to bring on our wilderness trips.

River Class Trip Duration Departure Time Min age Price
2-3 5 days on demand 13yrs $1250


 

Image seperator, Ultimate Descents New Zealand white water specialists
Ultimate Descent rafting and kayaking
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Ultimate Descent rafting and kayaking, whitewater adventure Ultimate Descents scenic and safe rafting and kayaking Ultimate Descent rafting and kayaking