Waimakariri River Guided Trip Package
Suitable for grade 2 certified kayakers training for the Coast to Coast, this safe and supportive 3-day package will provide you with the river experience you need to race with confidence.
- Paddle the full 70km Coast to Coast race route
- Gain the specific skills required for the Waimak
- Start your race feeling confident about the river
- Only 2 left available!
Doing Coast to Coast, but haven’t paddled the river yet?
- You don’t know the river you’ll be racing on
- Most of your training has been on flat water
- You’re nervous about what to expect
- You don’t have someone you trust to take you
- Going alone isn’t an option
- You’re not ready for the Coast to Coast — yet
With Canterbury Kayaking’s 3-Day Waimakariri River Guided Trip Package, you’ll paddle the full 70km course with expert guidance and professional safety support. By the end of the third day, you’ll know the river, feel comfortable in your boat, and be ready to race.
Without time on the Waimakariri River, you risk swimming your way down the race course.
If you’re training for the Coast to Coast but haven’t seen the river, the kayak stage can feel like a total mystery. You’re constantly wondering: Is my training on track? Will I be able to handle the Waimak?
This guided trip package removes the guesswork.
You’ll be taken through the entire race route, from start to finish, with plenty of time to build skills and confidence along the way. With the support of a professional guide, you’ll work on the key techniques necessary for a smooth decent of the Waimakariri River — so you can enjoy your race, not just survive it.
Once you’ve successfully paddle the river, you’ll know what’s coming, trust your ability, and feel much more prepared to race.
How to Book
- Select your dates and submit your booking at the top of this page ↑
- Download your information pack and join us for 3 days on the Waimakariri River.
- Enjoy kayaking in the Coast to Coast with confidence.
Meet Your Guide
Sam Milne is the most experienced kayak guide currently operating on the Waimakariri River.
Having helped over 1,000 athletes prepare for the Coast to Coast, Sam knows how important it is to build a positive experience with the river before race day.
He’s seen what happens when paddlers are rushed straight into the Gorge on a single-day trip — no warm-up, no skill progression, and often, a lot of swimming. That kind of experience leaves athletes stressed, shaken, and doubting their ability.
That’s why Sam stopped offering single-day guided trips and created something better: a 3-day training package based out of Christchurch.
You’ll progress gradually, starting on easier sections to build confidence and develop the Waimak-specific skills you’ll need. Then, on day three, you’ll take on the Gorge — not just hoping you’re ready, but knowing you are, with a trusted guide who understands both you and your ability.
By the end of this trip, you’ll have the experience and confidence you need to kayak in the Coast to Coast — and enjoy it.
What do I get with this package?
- Kayak and paddle fitting/adjustment
- Gear and layering advice
- Forward stroke technique coaching
- Coaching on steering, manoeuvring, and balance drills.
- Skills session on bluff corners.
- Coaching on braid choice and handling confluences.
- Safety advice and self-rescue tips.
- 15km “Warm-up” trip(s) from Woodstock to Gorge Bridge.
- 55km “Gorge trip” from Mt White to Woodstock.
- Guidance down the river and advice on the best lines for you.
- Transport and shuttle for the third day.
- Option to hire a kayak, paddle, spray skirt, PFD, and helmet.
- Pre-scheduled bad weather backup day for day 3’s Gorge trip.
- Drills you can take away and use to keep improving in your own time.
- Multisport kayak or lightweight sea kayak (hire available)
- Spray skirt (hire available)
- Wing paddle (hire available)
- PFD (lifejacket) (hire available)
- Helmet (hire available)
- Long-sleeved paddle jacket
- Booties
- Neoprene shorts
- Thermal tops and bottoms
- Thermal hat, gloves, and socks
- 20L dry bag
- Waterproof pants
- First aid kit
- Duct tape
- Survival bag
All required gear is available to purchase through us and can be collected at the course.
This program runs over 3 consecutive days and remains flexible based on weather and river conditions.
Day 1: Meet at 8:00 a.m. Lake Rua in Harewood, Christchurch. After a flatwater session, the remainder of the day is based on the Waimakariri River and finishes at around 4:00 p.m. at Waimakariri Gorge Bridge near Sheffield.
Day 2: We will meet at 8:30 a.m. at Waimakariri Gorge Bridge. You will paddle on the lower 15 kilometres of the Coast to Coast kayak route until around 4:00 p.m.
Day 3: We meet in Sheffield at 7:45 a.m. You can leave your vehicle in Sheffield for the day and we will provide transport for you and your kayak for a Gorge trip from Mt White to Woodstock (upper 55 kilometres of the Coast to Coast route). We will finish at 4:30 p.m. in Sheffield.
Yes. If you are unable to pay in full at the time of booking, please enter the discount code DEPOSIT during checkout to reserve your spot with just a 25% deposit. We will invoice you for the balance, which will be due 21 days before your course.
