Raukumara Range, southeast of the Bay of Plenty

For all rafters (guided), or experienced kayakers, 3-5 days.

Forging its way through the vast Raukumara wilderness, the Motu (meaning severed) is the most isolated and untouched of all the North Island rivers. It was the last area of New Zealand to be mapped and still remains much of a mystery. Without a doubt, this is one of country's finest river adventures.

From either Gisborne or Opotiki drive to Matawai on Highway 2. From here follow Motu Road to Motu township, 15 km away. The put-in site is a few kilometres downstream of Waitangirua Station (7 km east of Motu) on a rough 4WD track.

The Motu River ranges from grade III to V depending on the flow, and reaches a fearsome grade VI when in flood. From the put-in site it takes 3-5 days to reach the Bay of Plenty, 90 km away. The three main gorges are the Upper, Te Paku and the Lower. Within the Upper Gorge there are tight steep rapids that are impassable in flood. Te Paku Gorge is a deep and narrow stretch with no major rapids. The Lower Gorge, however, containssome of the most difficult rapids on the river. Log jams are usually a problem in the Upper and Lower Gorges.

The first two groups to venture down the Motu River (in 1919 and 1935) both took 10 days, ran out of food and were met by rescue parties. At the other extreme, a kayaker is reputed to have paddled it in 7 hours, when it was in very high flow and the rapids were grade VI!

Motu River Expeditions run a 4 day rafting trip down the Motu River. This involves driving from Hassall's farm (on Bell Road, 30 km southeast of Whakatane on Highway 2) to the put-in site at Waitangirua Station and paddling down to the first camp site just above the Upper Gorge.

During the next 2 days you manoeuvre your way through the infamous gorges, and raft down legendary rapids such as Bullivant's Cascade, The Motu Slot and Double Staircase. Because of its sheer power and beauty, this is an unforgettable stretch of river.

On the 4th and last day you'll only paddle for a couple of hours before being picked up by a jet boat, which rushes you down the last 18 km to the Motu highway bridge beside the coast.

Experienced kayakers and tube rafters should read Graham Egarr's North Island Rivers (see Further Reading). As walking down the river is impossible and tramping out over the ranges would take days, you should go well prepared with extra clothes, food and repair equipment. Topomaps X15 Omaio and X16 Motu are essential. Also take the Motu River descent guide map - it is waterproof and has good descriptions of the river and rapids. It can usually be purchased from DOC in Opotiki, phone (07) 315 6103.

This beautiful river was earmarked for hydro development during the 1950s. But now it is protected from hydro development by an Act of Parliament.