Clarence River Rafting has been running this river for over 25 years with an excellent safety record. We operate under AdventureMark Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities. Clarence River Rafting is a registered member of NZ Rivers Association for Professional Guides and all our guides are professionally qualified. A full safety briefing is given at the river before we begin our journey. A satellite phone is carried on all wilderness trips.

Risk Disclosure

Our journey takes us deep into the heart of the Clarence Valley where we are surrounded by the towering peaks of the Inland and Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. Here in this remote part of our country the geology tells a story, both historical and more recent, through uplifts, fault lines, earthquakes and slips.

Prior to your safety briefing pre-departure you will be asked to sign a Risk Disclosure Form that states –
River rafting has a degree of risk, although your safety and enjoyment are our main priorities. The Waiau Toa river is classed as grade 2/3 and is suitable for people with no previous rafting experience and moderate fitness. It does however come with a potential risk of rapid swimming, flipping boats, injuries or death.

It is rare but not unknown to have flips on our trips so you do need to understand that it is possible you will end up in the water (very rare and generally fun!)

Our Rivers

  • The Waiau-Toa/Clarence multi-day trip is grade 2/2+
  • The Waiau-Toa/Clarence half-day trip is grade 2
  • The Waiau-Uwha/Waiau multi-day trip is grade 3/4
  • The Waiau-Uwha/Waiau day trip is grade 2+/3

Grade 1

Rapids are small regular waves. The passage is clear and easy to recognise and negotiate. Care may be needed with obstacles like fallen trees and bridge piers.

Grade 2

Rapids have regular medium sized waves (less than 1 metre), low ledges or drops, easy eddies and gradual bends. The passage is easy to recognize and is generally unobstructed although there may be rocks in the main current, overhanging branches or log jams.

Grade 3

Rapids with fairly high waves (1-2 metres), broken water, stoppers and strong eddies, exposed rocks and small falls. The passage may be difficult to recognize from the river and manouvering to negotiate the rapid is required.

Grade 4

Difficult rapids with high, powerful, irregular waves, broken water, often boiling eddies, strong stoppers, ledges, drops and dangerous exposed rocks. The passage is often difficult to recognize and precise and sequential manoeuvering is required.’