Tititea taster – Saturday 16th November - Sunday 17th November

Sample the scenic and whitewater delights of the Matukituki River in the Titiea/Mount Aspiring National Park. Spend the night at Tititea Lodge, the original homestead of Matukituki Station. Paddlers are expected to have some prior experience on Class II whitewater. Families with whitewater experience are welcome.

Saturday - Trip 1 - West Matukituki

0930 - Meet at the Pembroke patisserie next to the 4 Square in Albert Town for carpooling. Cars not needed can be left at a private residence close by. Drive up the Mt Aspiring Road.

1000 (approx) - Regroup at the Raspberry Creek carpark at the end of the Mt Aspiring Road.

Main run - Walk up to Aspiring Hut and paddle the class I/II stretch of the West Matukituki back to the Rob Roy swing bridge (which most will portage).

Development/Capable paddlers - For those with the confidence to do so we can paddle some of the lower swing bridge rapids as an add on to the main run. A nice class III boulder garden just above the carpark is a good option for paddlers wanting some experience running busier whitewater. Can be lapped.

If time, an optional easy paddle from Raspberry Creek carpark to Cameron Flat can be done if people want more time on water.

Overnight - Tititea Lodge

Vehicles later get relocated to the Cameron Creek carpark. From there we walk in to Tititea Lodge. This involves a river crossing (knee to mid thigh deep in normal flows), and then a 1500m walk on a flat farm road to the lodge. The lodge is set up backpacker style with bunkrooms and a fully outfitted kitchen (gas hobs). There is space for camping if you prefer to be in a tent or snore loudly. Showers available if the wetback has been running. Generator provides power in evening. There is no mobile reception (we will have InReach for critical communications).

Sunday - Trip 3 East Matukituki River
After early breakfast we leave for a paddle on the East Matukituki. It is a 3 hour walk up through beech forest on a good track. The paddling starts from Junction Flat (6km from lodge). This section is at most class II, with one easily portaged rapid that is a little harder in some flows. It is a very scenic run.

Paddlers who wish not to walk all the way to Junction Flat can meet the group at a lower put on spot. We will take out adjacent to the lodge, collect our belongings and walk back to the carpark and disperse from there.

Equipment and Personal Gear
 Whitewater PFD and helmet (no biking or climbing helmets please) – can be supplied if needed
 Drysuit or Wetsuit - water can be cold in spring
 Packraft, paddle, inflation bag etc - Packed up for carrying on a walk in

 Sleeping bag - lodge has mattresses
 Food and drinks - event is not catered

Contingency plans
The Matukituki River is flow dependent. If it is running too high then the plan will be to cancel the Matukituki and have a day paddle on the Hawea River on Saturday 23rd.

Accommodation costs will be refunded.

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