The Rangitata is a large braided river with an unsettled shingle bed. It poses a significant danger to trampers on foot and, as a result, Te Araroa Trust has declared it a hazard zone which does not form part of the trail. Instead it marks a natural break in the continuum like Cook Strait does.
The Potts River and Bush Stream trailheads on either side of the Rangitata, make ideal beginning or end points for Te Araroa section trampers and it is really only through-trampers that have to deal with the issue of getting from one trailhead to the other. Trampers are urged not to risk a foot crossing. It's best to find an alternative way around and doing this will not compromising the integrity of a through-tramp.
4x4 New Zealand (refer link on this page), a Geraldine based company, operates commercial tours on both sides of the river and may provide an option for getting from one trailhead to the other. The company owns a Unimog which it uses to cross the river on some tours but, due to the lack of cell phone coverage in the area, transport arrangements will need to be made in advance.
While trampers are cautioned not to attempt to cross the Rangitata on foot, fit adults experienced with river crossing techniques have been known to cross safely in low-flow summer conditions. The best crossing point is above the confluence with the Potts River. Conditions suitable for a foot crossing are most likely to occur in the late summer months. Beaware though, even in high summer this river can flood and become impassable at any time.
For more information on river crossings refer Mountain Safety Council web site available through the link on this page.
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