Guided Waimakariri River Trips

Come see why our reputation is so good!
Overview

Topsport Kayaking runs guided trips through the Waimakariri Gorge from October through to February each year.

The aim of our guided trip is to introduce you to the Coast to Coast section of the Waimakariri River and help you identify safe effective lines on race day. This paddle is not a time trial; it is a guided educational trip. Our professional team will help you gain the confidence and skills you need to race in the Coast to Coast successfully. All o ur instructors are qualified and highly experienced. We have been working on this section of river teaching and training athletes for more than 27 years.

Download everything you need to know here! Trip Info

- Paddle on the Coast to Coast Course
- Small group size - maximum group size of 4
- Qualified Experienced Instructors
- Transport to and from Christchurch
- Hire boats and gear available
- Registered and approved Adventure Activity Operator
- Coast to Coast Approved Trip Requirements

You are required to be fit enough to handle 5 to 6 hours of paddling in your kayak. Please ensure you are spending adequate time in your boat training so that you can get the most out of your day on the river. It is a requirement for the trip that you have completed your Grade Two Certificate and are paddling a boat to match your ability. Weather and River Conditions

Weather and river conditions in the days leading up to and including the day of your trip are very influential. We have strict safety procedures and guidelines regarding weather forecasts and river levels. If the conditions on the day of your scheduled trip are outside these parameters we will be postponing the trip. We use the latest available information from a combination of weather and river data websites along with our experience to make their decision.

Note - for our trip on Wednesday the 5th we do not have boats available for hire. You must have paddled the Gorge before. If you have not paddled the Gorge before please book our two day trip.

https://topsport.co.nz/products/februrary-athlete-preparation Kayak Hire

Hiring a boat is perfect if you are flying in from another part of New Zealand or internationally.

NOTE - We do not have any kayaks available to hire on Wednesday the 5th of February 2025. to hire a kayak. Travelling Athlete Info

If you are travelling from outside of Christchurch to spend some time with us on the river or over the mountain here is some information to help plan you trip.

Download the info here.

Testimonials

Here's what some of our paddlers are saying:

"I’d already done my Grade 2 Course elsewhere in the North Island for the Coast to Coast but doing a trip down the Waimak guided by Ryan and Sam made a huge difference to my skill level and confidence. I wouldn’t do the race without having been on the river without these guys"

Brent Spicer paddling his Ruahine Intrigue November 2020

"Thank you so much for the Waimakariri river trip and my new Ruahine Shadow. Another great experience with Topsport. A special thanks to Len for the kayak fitting and sharing so many professional tips. It has made such a difference to have the kayak and paddle adjusted by such an expert"

Kay Chapman paddling her Ruahine Shadow in January 2022 Requirements

These requirements are in place for your safety and to ensure we can fit you in one of our boats (if required)

- You must be able to swim
- Weigh less than 110kg
- Be shorter than 6'4.

Please to discuss options if you don’t the fit these requirements.