Waimakariri Gorge: Day Trip

Doing Coast to Coast, but haven’t spent much time on the river?

- Need more practice on the race route?
- Don't feel safe kayaking the Gorge with strangers or (worse) by yourself?
- Does paddling Waimakariri Gorge still make you nervous?

On Canterbury Kayaking's single-day Waimakariri Gorge: Guided Trip, you’ll gain the river-time you need in a safe and controlled manner with the support of a professional guide. Once you've gained more experience with the river, you'll feel completely relaxed going into the kayak stage of the Coast to Coast race. You’ve trained too hard to roll the dice on the river.

Many athletes struggle to get enough time on the river before the Coast to Coast. Kayaking can be a logistical nightmare and paddling solo or with random people can be dangerous. But if you don’t get the river-time you need, you’ll be taking a big gamble during your race.

On this trip, you’ll be guided through the Waimakariri Gorge in a small group, led by a qualified and experienced guide. All the logistics and safety precautions will be taken care of, so you can relax and focus on your paddling.

Once you've gained the experience you need with the Coast to Coast kayak route, you’ll know all the best lines and you’ll feel fully prepared to hit the river on race day. How It Works
- Book your date(s) at the top of this page
- Enjoy paddling the Waimakariri Gorge
- Kayak in the Coast to Coast with complete confidence Meet Your Guide

Sam Milne is the most experienced kayak guide on the Waimakariri River and the founder of Canterbury Kayaking. Through helping over 1,000 athletes prepare for the Coast to Coast, Sam has learned there is no subtitute for getting time on the race course.

Throughout his career, Sam has noticed that paddlers who invest time on the river do significantly better in the kayak stage of the race than those who try to wing it. No matter how good your skills are, knowing the river well offers a distinct advantage.

That’s why Sam has created these single-day trips for kayakers training for the Coast to Coast. During this trip, you’ll be shown the best lines down the river, kept safe, and will have the opportunity to refine your kayaking skills.

After you attend Canterbury Kayaking’s Waimakariri Gorge: Guided Trips, you’ll feel totally prepared for the river and will be able to enjoy the race-result you deserve. What do I get with the trip?

- Full-day kayaking on the Waimakariri River from Mt White to Woodstock.
- Expert guidance from a fully qualified and experienced guide.
- Option to renew your grade 2 kayak certificate.
- Transport and shuttle for the day.
- A comprehensive safety system ensuring you make it home safely.
- Option to hire a boat, paddle, spray skirt, PFD and helmet.