Rafting
New Zealand Kayak School. Top professional instructors are based at this school, providing probably the best opportunity you'll get anywhere for learning the thrills of white-water paddling—all of it on great, scenic rivers. Enthusiasts love the area for the huge range of paddling available within 10 minutes' drive. The school offers tuition and training camps for groups and individuals, beginners to advanced, from a few hours to multiday trips on local rivers. Age is no barrier—the oldest (so far) couple they've taught to paddle were age 69 and 71. They also rent kayaks and supply guides for customised trips on the best local rivers. 111 Waller St., Murchison, Tasman, 7007. 03/352–5786; www.nzkayakschool.com. Closed May–Aug.
Ultimate Descents New Zealand. Highly experienced guides run rafting trips on the Maruia (Grade III), Clarence (Grade II), Buller (Grade III–IV), Mokihinui (Grade IV), and Karamea (Grade V) rivers. All half-day and day trips include a light snack, and the multiday trips are fully catered. They've been doing this for years and know the water well. 38 Waller St., Murchison, Tasman, 7007. 03/523–9899; 0800/748–377; www.rivers.co.nz. NZ$290 Buller Gorge full day, NZ$130 half-day; NZ$1,500 3-day Karamea River trip.
Wild Rivers Rafting. Qualified guides introduce even first-time rafters to one of the premium white-water rafting experiences in the country, the legendary "Earthquake Rapids" on the Buller River in the rain forest. These are Grade III and IV rapids. The 25-foot cliff jump into the river is optional. River time is two hours; allow four hours total. Pickup is at the Iron Bridge on State Highway 6, 37 km (23 miles) from Murchison. Iron Bridge, Upper Buller Gorge Rd., State Hwy. 6, Murchison, Tasman, 7007. 0508/467–238; www.wildriversrafting.co.nz. NZ$130 for 4-hr trip.
Lewis Pass. About 12 km (7½ miles) south of Murchison, State Highway 6 takes a sharp turn to the right over O'Sullivans Bridge toward the West Coast. If you've decided to skip the coast and head back to Christchurch from here, follow State Highway 65 straight through toward Lewis Pass. The first part of this road is known as "The Shenandoah," which follows the Maruia River valley as it climbs toward the main divide. This is prime farming country bounded by high mountains clothed in thick bush. Check the Maruia Falls, created by the 1929 Murchison Earthquake. Just 15 km (9 miles) before Springs Junction, Reids Store provides a welcome coffee and lunch stop, superior to the offerings farther on at Springs Junction. There's no fuel here, though, so you will have to get that at Springs Junction. From Springs Junction the road starts to climb to Lewis Pass, one of the lowest crossing points over the Southern Alps. Maruia Springs, just west of the pass, has traditional Japanese bathhouses and hot, outdoor rock pools, a restaurant, and accommodations (these are less salubrious and, accordingly, less-crowded than the waters at Hanmer Springs thermal resort town, farther east). Cross Lewis Pass and you're in Canterbury, where the countryside changes to high arid hills. Hanmer Springs is an hour southeast of the pass.
