The PaddlerUK magazine September 2015 issue 4 | Page 44

Kaituna River, NZ

Mike Dawson

PADDLERUK 44

“Tucked away in
a quiet lakeside
village called Okere
Falls, is the home to my
favourite river – the
Kaituna. It’s a carefree
part of the world with
warm water flowing
continuously day after
day during the endless
New Zealand
summers.
“It is my home river – the place
I learnt my craft and like a
magnet it draws me back year
after year. For me, the Kaituna
River is the perfect stomping
ground for pushing the skill set
with so many kick-ass kayakers
hanging out there.
“Lap after lap on the slalom course, having fun times fooling around in
the forgiving rapids or just sipping a beer on sunset with buddies; this
place has it all – and it never gets old. A tight narrow gorge littered with
native trees and culture. To top it off there’s countless whitewater gems
within a few hours drive.”

Photographs Kenny Mutton