First stop, Ultimate Descents Rafting Company in Murchison. A serious dose of white water was the request and our guides Rusty and Regan certainly delivered on a high flowing Buller River. Highlights included running the Granity rapids and dropping through Ariki Falls.
The Crew above Granity rapid on the Upper Buller
Rusty and Regan briefing Ariki Falls
Running Ariki Falls (nice face Mark)
From Murchison it was on to the West Coast, passing through the Paparoa Ranges to reach the old gold mining town of Charlston, just south of Westport. In true West Coast tradition it began to rain, hard, soon after we arrived and didn’t stop until morning. Some woke to flooded tents and soaked bags.
For the next two days we caved in Te Tahi cave and rock climbed on the sea cliffs overlooking the wild Tasman Sea. A highlight for most included the climb Racing in the Streets, a full 50m climb that starts as close to the crashing ocean swell as you would want to be before ascending a classic corner climb that tops out with 360 degree views.
Mark Parfitt enjoying the Tasman Ocean licking at his heals
"On Belay"
Jay Nelson checking out the views toward the Paparoa Range
Tess Golding on Racing in the Streets
A beachside bbq dinner and bonfire topped it all off. A great trip to end the year.
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