Winter Wairau (PRANZ Top of the South regional event)

Winter Wairau - PRANZ Top of the South regional meet - 26th-28th July 2024

Running out of the Rainbow high country the Wairau River is a favorite all year round. Perhaps you would like to join us on a winter weekend?

Typically in July the Wairua has beautiful sunny days with crisp winter air, the water may be so cold it feels like its burning but the scenery is wonderful. On Saturday we will likely leave a car or two in the valley before parking up at six mile (just past the ski field turn off) and walking around 5 km up the valley to put in just below the Infamous Hamilton's Rapid. After a paddle there may be a few hardier paddlers keen on a second run, or a quick ski, but most are likely to retreat to the comforts of Red Deer Lodge, where we can enjoy a evening sitting back in front of a fire enjoying the company of other packrafters and their sometimes implausible tales. Sunday has an option of returning to the Wairua or more likely Saturday will be a trip down the Upper Buller. Starting with a fast paced run down the Rotoiti outlet and onward to Teetotal Creek or beyond. Both days will involve some amount of walking fully packed.  

Accommodation is planned for the Red Deer Lodge, this is an NZDA hunting lodge in the middle of St Arnaud. The lodge sleeps 28 on DOC style bunks (BYO Bedding). The kitchen has a couple of stoves, a microwave plus all the crockery/cutlery we will need, there is a BBQ out the back. 

All meals will be individual responsibility. There is a good pizza place at Alpine Lodge, just a short walk down the road, there are no supermarkets but there is a well stocked dairy.  

Remember to bring the following:

All packrafting gear; including Whitewater Helmet, PFD and your gear packed for the walk in trips

Bedding (including earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper)

Additional cash for shuttle drivers