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Helicopter into Kaweka Forest Park, raft three days of clear river and hot springs, and camp riverside under star-filled skies. This Grade 3 Upper Mohaka expedition blends heli-access, thermal pools, trout fishing, and true backcountry river travel.
Helicopter into Kaweka Forest Park, raft three days of clear river and hot springs, and camp riverside under star-filled skies. This Grade 3 Upper Mohaka expedition blends heli-access, thermal pools, trout fishing, and true backcountry river travel.
Book with Mohaka Rafting
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Operated by Mohaka Rafting · Te Pōhue, Hawke's Bay Region
Upper Mohaka – Grade 3 takes you into the heart of the Kaweka Forest Park in New Zealand's Hawke's Bay Region. For three days you helicopter into a remote put‑in above the Mangatanguru confluence and raft out to State Highway 5, moving through clear river runs, thermal hot pools, and native forest. On day one the helicopter slices across the Kaweka Mountain Range, depositing your group where greywacke ridges drop to fast, clear water. Guides unpack rafts and you glide three hours downstream to a riverside campsite tucked beside steaming natural hot springs. The river here carves through stony channels and occasional braided shelves, offering Grade 3 rapids that demand attention without overwhelming casual paddlers. Between eddies you can wade for trout, swim in glassy pools, tramp short forest tracks, or ease into a thermal soak beneath beech and kanuka. Day two widens the corridor: forest species shift from mountain beech to mixed podocarp pockets and pockets of regenerating farmland, while river dynamics alternate playful rapids and long float sections. Guides reestablish camp, cook over gas and open fire, and share local lore about the land and its relationship to local iwi. Nights are river-dark; stars spill over the ranges and conversation centers on river lines and fishing stealth. On the third morning you roll rafts for the final run to the SH5 bridge takeout. Lunch is packed on the river and the team shuttles you back to base. The trip can be slowed for anglers who want extra time to stalk trout or customised to include additional hiking and remote access by helicopter. What sets this expedition apart is the blend of helicopter access, multi-day river travel, and the thermal springs—few raft trips let you finish a day with a hot dip under native forest canopy. The geology of the Kaweka ranges—exposed greywacke and volcanic outcrops—frames every bend, while endemic birds like tui and fantail add soundtrack. With a minimum age of seven, the adventure balances family accessibility with genuine wilderness character. Practical notes: the Upper Mohaka is seasonally sensitive; higher flows in spring make rapids livelier, and late-season low water can require alternative plans. Operators emphasise safety—no alcohol during trips, strict weight and chest limits, and basic rafting instruction from guides. For travellers based in Napier or staying at local lodges, this helicopter-in, raft-out route is a singular way to experience Hawke's Bay's wild interior. Bookings are made through the operator's FareHarbor page; flights and river logistics are coordinated in advance. Expect thorough gear checks and experienced guides who run safety briefings and river technique clinics. Bring an open schedule—this trip rewards slow decisions, extra casts, and unhurried swims when the river and weather allow and family groups.
Minimum age is 7; groups must include at least one participant aged 18 or over.
Yes—guides can accommodate trout fishing and adjust pace for anglers; bring appropriate licences and gear.
Helicopter shuttles are part of the itinerary but specific inclusions should be confirmed at booking and may be customizable.
This is true backcountry river travel; operators can provide satellite phone support for emergencies and limited communications.
Upper Mohaka can run low after December; operators will advise alternatives, adjusted routes, or timing to ensure safety.
Yes—there are minimum and maximum chest and weight limits for safety; the operator enforces these and prohibits alcohol before or during the trip.
Mohaka Rafting operates from Wairoa in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay Region, offering river adventures across the Mohaka and Ngaruroro catchments. The company runs a range of guided rafting experiences from gentle Grade 2 family floats to adrenaline-packed Grade 4/5 runs, with options for half-day, full-day, multi-day, and cruise-ship transfer packages. Signature trips include full-day Mohaka River Grade 3 journeys through native backcountry with opportunities to spot rare Blue Ducks, the full-day Grade 4/5 canyon run featuring 200‑metre gorge walls, and a half-day Grade 2 scenic float suited to first-time rafters and families. For remote access and added spectacular views, some itineraries include helicopter or fixed-wing transfers over the Kaweka Mountains and hot spring country, plus a flexible three-day Upper Mohaka program that combines rafting with swimming, fishing and wilderness relaxation. The operator also offers an Upper Ngaruroro helicopter-in trip into pristine gorges and a Lower Ngaruroro Gorge experience that includes waterfall drinking stops and overnight camping in Kaweka Forest Park. Cruise ship passengers can book a gentle Grade 2 river raft with scenic bus transfers and a light lunch before returning to port. Trip summaries emphasize swimming, scenic views, wildlife sightings, optional fishing, and opportunities to camp or relax in hot springs. All information on trips, logistics and booking is available through the Adventure Collective listing and the operator’s booking channels. Booking pages list exact departure points, durations, equipment provided and suitability guidelines for each trip. Safety briefings and trip itineraries are outlined before departure. Local contact details are published.
Book with Mohaka Rafting