5 – 6 Days | 195km | Class 2 – 3
The Waiau Toa / Clarence River is New Zealand’s most amazing multi-day river journey.
Take from 5 days to as long as you want; the Waiau Toa / Clarence has multiple options. Relax for a day, climb Tapuae-O-Uenuku or explore multiple side streams.
Wandering through the highest mountain peaks outside of the Southern Alps, the Waiau Toa / Clarence offers a diverse range of amazing scenery, incredible campsites and a beautiful river.
The river is generally Class 2, with a few rapids approaching Class 3 in typical spring and summer flows. It is characterised by steep sided gorges, boulder garden and bluff rapids.
Camping / Huts
Both tree-covered campsites and back-country huts are available for your Waiau Toa / Clarence journey.
We recommend the camping though, this place is beautiful.
Download the map.
Campfires
Permission for campfires depends on the weather and the season.
The wind can come up quickly in the valley, making campfires dangerous.
Transport Options
| Put In | Acheron River Confluence |
| Take Out | Clarence Valley Rd |
| Shuttle Distance One way | 197 km |
| Shuttle Time One way | 4 hours |
Self Drive
The shuttle for the Waiau Toa / Clarence gives a friend an amazing opportunity to explore the Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura areas for a few days.
Bentley’s Transport
Contact Bentley’s Transport directly to discuss shuttle options.
