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DOC Land
Altitude: 94m to 163m. Gain: 158m. Loss: 95m . Gradient: 1 deg (Gentle)
Skills: - Prolonged rivers (4/6)
The Raukokore is broad: shingle flats at the confluence, and for the 1st kilometer upstream to where a wide shingle fan sweeps down from the ranges to the south. Beyond, the Raukokore narrows, emerging from a tight bush-clad gorge to the west. Thigh-deep crossings follow, heading upriver on an easy gravel bed which broadens beyond. Soon, the gravel turns to boulders and the gradient increases. Going slows for a couple of kilometers, clambering over river boulders as we pass the first main rapids. Planning the trip, I’d been advised by hunters who hunt this area on horseback – I’d love to see how horses navigate that bit!
As suddenly as they started, the rapids end – a plain of gravel lapping against the tops of the last boulders.
It’s 9km on the map from the Waikura to Te Kumi, but on the ground feels much further - the river twisting between spurs. One deep pool spans the entire flow – bluffs on either side, water waist deep, but otherwise crossings are knee to thigh deep – easy enough in normal flows.
Finally, the slope of the valleysides softens - sheer walls, trees clinging unfathomably to rock faces become gentle, wooded slopes. Peaks lower towards the river. A few more bends follow before finally emerging at Te Kumi Flats. Te Kumi is covered in low bush and fern forest. As you near the gorge at the southern end of the flats, a clear track leads 20m from the river bank into open punga bush where a tall blue-tarp-roofed shelter looks out towards the river – Te Kumi tent camp (Te Kumi Biv)