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Section 73 of 93 · Canterbury

Rākaia River Hazard Zone Bypass

Distance
60.4 km
Ascent
1250 m
High point
502 m
Type
Multi-day
Warning Trail alerts

Walking this section

Introduction

The Rākaia is a large braided river with an unsettled shingle bed. Even in low flows, it is not possible to safely cross the river on foot anywhere near Te Araroa's trailhead on the north bank. As a result, Te Araroa Trust has declared the Rākaia a hazard zone which does not form part of the trail. Instead, it marks a natural break in the continuum, just like Cook Strait.

The trailheads on either side of the Rākaia make natural beginning or endpoints 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. Don't risk a foot crossing. Instead, go around the road in a vehicle. Doing so will not compromise the integrity of a through-tramp

The official campgrounds in the Lake Coleridge area are at Harper Village (free) and Rākaia Gorge (small charge). There are no areas where Freedom Camping is legally permitted between these two campgrounds and with increasing numbers of walkers enjoying Te Araroa, landowners are becoming more likely to move people on who are camping illegally. If you are solely camping you need to plan your journey to use the official campgrounds. There is now excellent camping or dormitory accommodation on Te Araroa at km 2,299.6, just before Lake Coleridge Village

 

Elevation 1250 m ascent · 280–502 m
0 km 60.4 km
GPX Full trail map

Track conditions

Do not attempt to cross the Rākaia on foot.

Transport

  • Methven Travel - 93 Main St , Methven- P: 0800 684 888 for shuttles to/from Christchurch. More details in Rākaia River to Rangitata River section

  • Double Hill Run Road (Methven to Glenrock) School Bus operated by Methven Travel, offers transport to hikers when going up to Glenrock in the morning to collect children and returning to Methven after dropping off children in the afternoon. School days only. Schools start at approximately the end January. $42.09 pp.  For southbound departs from Methven Travel office 6:00 am.  Bookings essential. Email before 5:00 pm previous day info@methventravel.co.nz  For northbound departs Glenrock trailhead approximately 4:30 pm. Phone booking essential. If there are no bookings and no school children further up Double Hill Run Road the bus won't come up to Glenrock. P: 03 302 8106  M: 027 437 5432.

  • Selwyn Shuttles provide a daily daily service from Powerhouse Lodge to Methven and onto South Rakaia Trail head at Double Hill and return. 

    We run a daily service during busy periods and other times it is an on-demand service. Best to contact us the night prior to ensure availability. 

    Our usual schedule is: 
        10am Powerhouse Lodge - Methven for resupply 
        12pm Methven - Double Hill / Glenrock Stream 
        1pm Double Hill / Glenrock Stream - Methven 
        2pm Methven - Powerhouse Lodge  

    Pricing is: 
        Powerhouse Lodge - Methven ( either direction ) 
        1-4 $200 minimum 
        5-6 $40 each 
        7-11 $35 each 

    Methven - Double Hill/ Glenrock ( either direction ) 
        1-5 $250 minimum 
        6-7 $45 each 
        8-11 $40 each 

    EFTPOS / PayWave/ credit card available 

    We look forward to driving you soon
    Brad Wilson - 021 776 968

Accommodation

Lake Coleridge Village

  • The Powerhouse Lodge in Lake Coleridge Village (TA 2,298.6 km) is open Mid November 2024 to March 2025 for Te Araroa Trail walkers. Budget tent sites $25pp, bunkrooms $35pp and Lodge options $50pp. Wi-Fi, outdoor kitchen, hot showers, washing facilities and snacks available. Kiwi hospitality at its best. Bounce Boxes can be received and held here. No bookings necessary, more info on Facebook or call 022 081 0882

Methven

  • Rākaia Gorge Society Camping Ground - 6686 Arundel Rākaia Gorge Rd - P: 03 302 9353 - The campground has tent sites, a sheltered cooking area, showers, toilets and water.
  • Methven Camping Ground - 72 Barkers Road, Methven (next to the A & P show grounds, just a three minute walk to the centre of the township), P: 03 302 8005, M: 021 0818 5546. Daren and Rhonda Saunders.  Campsite with use of toilets, shower, kitchen, lounge $15.  Cabins for single or double - special rate for TA walkers.  No charge for accepting supply boxes E: methvennz@hotmail.com
  • Mt Hutt Bunkhouse and Cottage BBH - 8 Lambard St, Methven - P: 03 302 9122 or 027 346 4968 
  • Alpenhorn Chalet, 44 Allen St, Methven - P: 03 302 8779 - E: info@alpenhorn.co.nz
  • Methven Lodge and B&B, 182 Main St, Methven - P: 03 302 9047 - E: info@methvenlodge.co.nz
  • Snow Denn Lodge. Special Te Araroa rate of 10% discount off all rooms. Bookings are recommended. Please phone or email ahead from Rangitata River if N/B or Arthurs Pass if S/B. We are happy to hold resupply boxes for $5.00 per box. Call or email us to arrange. Phone: 027 207 0005 

  • Big Tree Lodge 25 South Belt, Methven. Phone Peter Wilson 029 0201 2762, email jiaxingyuki@gmail.com  10% discount for TA walkers for phone bookings, No charge for accepting supply boxes.  Transport to or from trailheads can be arranged

  • Methven Resort, 51 Main Street, Methven. Studio room $130 per night which includes continental breakfast for 2 people. Coin operated laundry facilities available for use. Easy walk to local restaurants and shops. Bookings recommended - 03 302 8724 or stay@methvenresort.co.nz   

Christchurch

  • St Albans, Christchurch very close to the city centre. Te Araroa alumni from 2019-20 and would someday like to finish the SI part as well. "We  have a converted and carpeted garage with sliding door, kitchen and laundry which we can offer to anyone who is in need. Might even have a trundle bed shortly."  Also, happy to pickup and drop off any hikers if I'm free as long as they can offer to pay for the cost of the petrol. 022 309 9637  harun.shaikh@gmail.com

Food and supplies

Resupply

  • Four Square Supermarket - 33/37 McMillian St, Methven - P: 03 302 8114
  • Supervalue Supermarket - The Mall, Methven - P: 03 302 8050
  • Hammer Hardware (for camping supplies, including gas canisters) - 85 Main Street, Methven, P: 03 302 9664 - E: methven@hammerhardware.co.nz
  • Alpine Sport Adventure Store Methven
    full outdoor gear shop, open 7 days.  We carry the full range of Real Meals, Radix meals, a solid range of suitable TA Trail shoes (Altra, La Sportiva, Merrell and more coming), Bridgedale & Injinji trail socks, gas & cookers (Jetboil, MSR), hiking poles & spare parts/repairs, water filters (Sawyer, Katadyn, Platypus), hydration, repair supplies, sleep mats/bags/pillows, outdoor clothing etc etc. We also work with suppliers to help facilitate the delivery of warranty claims