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Class 5; Geology for Kayakers. Huka Falls

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Huka Falls, New Zealand

Kayaking huka falls

 

Huka Falls, tourist attraction and Class V+ drop, is either a kayaker’s nightmare or their delight.  The falls themselves are not technically difficult but with an average 160 cumecs tumbling through a 15m gap, they are a bit daunting.  Huka Falls is the first major cataract on Waikato River, about 8 km downstream of its headwaters (Lake Taupo ).  Flow is controlled by flood gates near Taupo township. Most kayaking is done in flows of 50-150 cumecs,, but anything over 130 cumecs is a bit gnarly.   The tourist viewing platform and bridge are close to the top of the falls. So any kayaker venturing through nearly always has an audience.

 

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