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Playspot: New Zealand: South Island, Tekapo, Tekapo white water course.

What's it like

An artificial whitewater course fed periodically from the blue waters of Lake Tekapo. The course is realistically about grade 3, particularly towards the lower end: concrete and natural rock with a flow of about 20 cumecs. Please note that this is not currently a safe place for novices, but is great for competent rollers. Because of this, the course is free to use. The NZRCA managed to get it built over a 12 year period as compensation for loss of a recreational amenity (the existing natural river).

The top wave is of most interest to play boaters. It is a retentive river-wide hole, with a shallow angle entry. It is ‘soft’ yet retentive making it great for cartwheels, loops, and kickflip entries, but it needs better green wave edges for more aerial moves. The course designers are working on ideas for this at present. As the course depends on releases from the hydro scheme, check the NZRCA website for releases.

How to get there

From the north, drive through Tekapo to the southern end of the shops, and turn left uphill. Just before this road swings left, take the dirt road on the right. Follow this and then follow the signposts (about 3km).

More info

Tekapo is best known for its blue waters and view of Mount Cook. If the course is flowing, it is a great weekend of good paddling and easy camping. Don’t forget the Hooker river near Mt Cook, and the Rangitata in Peel Forest just north.

Info sources

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Nearest weather station (°C):