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Launch into one of the North Island’s most demanding whitewater runs: a full-day Grade 4/5 rafting adventure through 200m-high canyons on the Mohaka River. Expect sustained rapids, technical lines, and remote river scenery for experienced paddlers.
Launch into one of the North Island’s most demanding whitewater runs: a full-day Grade 4/5 rafting adventure through 200m-high canyons on the Mohaka River. Expect sustained rapids, technical lines, and remote river scenery for experienced paddlers.
Book with Mohaka Rafting
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mohaka Rafting · Te Pōhue, Hawke's Bay Region
Mohaka River – Grade 4/5 is a full-day wilderness rafting run on the Mohaka River in Te Pōhue, Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand. This guided trip drops paddlers into a dramatic stretch of river that cuts through near-vertical canyon walls, offering roughly five hours on the water inside gorges that rise as much as 200 metres above the current. The run is famous locally for technical, sustained whitewater: long, powerful waves and strong hydraulics demand constant teamwork and precise boat positioning.
The trip’s opening sequence in the 4/5 section includes Long Rapid, a feature where higher flows cover most rocks and create a braided, boiling channel that teaches quick-decision-making and commitment. Between rapids you’ll watch angled rock faces and water-polished ledges pass beneath the raft; these raw canyon walls carve sound and light into an intense outdoor classroom. Channels narrow to force lines between boulders and holes; portaging or short walks are occasionally necessary when flows or hazards require it.
Operationally, expect an 8.5 to 9 hour day, with shuttle transfers by van and a maximum group of 12 paddlers. Operators require a minimum of six people to run the trip; if you’re below that threshold they may build a run or advise alternate dates. All standard rafting gear is supplied and photos are included, but groups must arrive ready to paddle hard — prior grade 3 experience and confident swimming are strongly recommended. The operator enforces strict safety rules: no alcohol before or during the trip, chest and weight limits apply, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
What sets this run apart is its combination of sustained technical whitewater inside rare, tall-walled canyons and the genuine wilderness setting. The Mohaka sits as one of the North Island’s standout rivers for experienced paddlers, with a sense of scale and exposure that’s uncommon so close to Hawke’s Bay’s populated corridors. It’s an outing that tests fitness and teamwork while delivering cinematic river scenery.
If you go, train for repetitive paddling efforts, bring quick-dry layers, sun protection, and a willingness to follow guides’ commands. Leave no trace in the river corridor, respect local cultural ties to the water, and be prepared for a demanding, unforgettable day where skill and concentration turn raw river energy into one of New Zealand’s most memorable raft trips. Guides typically run a safety briefing, demonstrate paddle strokes, and rehearse rescue moves before launch; listen carefully and stay vocal in the raft. Bring a small dry pack for essentials and leave expensive electronics at base unless secured in waterproof housing. Expect river sounds to dominate: the slap of water, the shout of commands, and long quiet stretches where canyon walls amplify wind and bird calls. Enjoy.
Minimum age is 16; unaccompanied minors are not permitted and every group must have at least one participant aged 18 or over.
Strongly recommended: participants should have experience paddling at Grade 3 or higher and be confident swimmers.
The full outing is about 8.5 to 9 hours total, with approximately five hours spent on the water.
The operator needs a minimum of six to run the trip; if you have fewer, contact them—they may consolidate bookings or advise alternate dates.
Yes, all standard rafting gear is supplied by the operator and trip photos are included in the price.
Yes—there are chest and weight limits (minimum 23 kg and 61 cm chest; maximum 132 cm chest) and no alcohol is permitted 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
