GB Women’s Raft Team do the rest of New Zealand

Who would ever want to leave New Zealand? We didn’t. So most of us (plus the Italian boys) travelled to Murchison and the West Coast on South Island for a few more weeks of world class kayaking. We met up with legend Mick Hopkinson and then local lad Jordy Searle and paddled our hearts out on the stunning rivers of the Buller, Kokatahi, Totara, Toaroa, and Kakapotahi.

 

We managed one ‘A-Team’ inspiring heli trip with kayaks and a raft into the Landsborough which took two days to paddle out. Mid way, we had use of a readymade campsite with beds and everything! All we had to do was collect firewood. It seems the thought that we might perish in the wilderness spirited us into wood collecting maniacs. Chancing a log infested swim, the phase ‘packed to the rafters’ has never seemed quite so fitting.

Upon successfully arriving at our camp, Adam ambitiously suggested we go deer stalking for evening entertainment. It was a nice idea, but trying to instil quiet in a gang of 11, with our matching Palm luminous green jackets, and Fran’s novel idea of wearing plastic bags over her socks to prevent getting wet feet, we failed spectacularly.

The cheaper alternative to a helicopter shuttle was the epic walk in. One particular beauty was a 4 hour Takeshi’s Castle assault course into the Toaroa with kayaks plus camping supplies strapped to our backs. All that was missing were the Emerald Guards, although the sandflies did their best. This time we made use of an awesome hunting/tramping hut at the top of the river, with its very own natural hot pools! As the local boys unpacked their dehydrated sachets of food, we unfurled our two lamb joints, roasting dish, crackers, dips, a litre of milk and not one; but two, vegetarian options. We know how to camp. The river provided just as much entertainment as the walk in, and we emerged relatively unscathed, but mentally exhausted at the final obstacle – an electric fence at the get out.

After all the excitement of the West Coast, we went our separate ways and I ended up back on North Island just in time for Christmas at Kaituna. This annual event is a day of ridiculous racing on one of the best rivers in the world! Events included a progressive boater cross, big air freestyle (I won!), 8-ball challenge, a team race and finally, the hotly anticipated inflatable race. After a tip off, myself and a few others invested in a sturdy 2-handled armchair, but there were aeroplanes, giant turtles, crocodiles and dolphins gradually falling to pieces throughout the event.

 We are all back in the UK now, training again in earnest for the forthcoming R4 European Champs in Bratislava, and World Champs in Brazil! Where our next adventures await……