Waitaki River

The Waitaki River begins at the outflow of Lake Waitaki and flows as a powerful braided river some 65 to 70 kilometres southeast through Canterbury and Otago to the Pacific Ocean near Glenavy. Downstream of the Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki lakes it spreads into a wide, shifting shingle bed across the lower plains. The river and its surrounding lakes support a rich range of leisure activities including trout and salmon fishing, jet boating through the dynamic channels, boating, swimming and camping along the shores, as well as walking and cycling in the valley and lake landscapes. Its regulated waters and open expanses offer both peaceful nature experiences and thrilling adventures between the high country and the coast.