Geraldine

Sports and the Outdoors

Rangitata Rafts. Rangitata Rafts runs white-water rafting trips on the Grade V Rangitata River from September through May. The rivers builds as you drop lower so if you can't face the Grade V section (the last part of the trip), you can walk around with the photographer then rejoin the raft. The $218 price includes pickup from Geraldine or Christchurch ($198 if you self-drive to Peel Forest) an early lunch, hot showers, spectacular scenery, a barbecue, and 2 1/2 hours rafting. Reservations are essential. They also do a more gentile Grade II trip that's suitable for anyone eight years or older; it's good fun and a nice introduction to white-water rafting. Non-rafters can relax at the lodge. 03/696-3534; 0800/251-251 (NZ only). www.rafts.co.nz.