River Valley Lodge is situated on the banks of the Rangitikei River below what is regarded by many as the best half day Grade 5 commercial rafting trip in the world.  We are ready to ferry the rafts and rafters upstream to the put in point.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

We had a crew of about 30 adventurers from all over the world.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Safety training and instruction on pulling your mates back in the boat is the start of the program.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

What do you do if someone throws you a rescue line?

Ron left and Brian right had all mermaids in our crew.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

During the first couple of kilometers of river Brian gave us thorough instruction on how to follow his commands and work as a team.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

The beginning of white water canyon on the Rangitikei River.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Rapids ahead!
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Depending on the river flow, some of the rapids can be extremely challenging.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Brian is a master at the helm.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

You can plan on getting wet.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Nothing but whitewater in sight.  Brian said we took this one backwards on purpose.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Over the ledge.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

We are going river right.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Some great action on the Rangitikei.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

With the water level down we got hung up on a boulder in the middle of the chute.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

It took us several minutes to get unstuck with Brian pushing, me pulling and the mermaids bouncing.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Some of the crew takes a cooling off dip.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Heading into the narrows.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

This area is known at the Narrows of the Rangitikei for good reason.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Coming out of the narrows into the next section of big whitewater.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Nothing but fun.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley

Any day on the river is a great day.
White Water Rafting Pictures by River Valley