Mason River

A sweet wee North Canterbury creek. Check it!!

Nev and Jono scouting the first Grade 4 rapid "PEAU PEAU"

Leadin to PEAU PEAU

Nev Running "Broadside"

"Broadside"

Leadin to "The Beehive"

Nick running the G4+ crux rapid on the river "The Beehive"

Jono styling "Cold Chisel"

Nev looking back at a steep manky section that will be sick with more water.

Google Earth is awesome. After seeing this gorge on the topomap dropping at 40m/km, I checked GE and the high res photos showed whitewater was waiting. With 20mm rain falling over the previous 24hrs, we charged up after work. We think we have uncovered a beauty for Canterbury paddlers.

After talking to a few oldschool fellas, we believe this section of the Mason hasnt been paddled before. Very hard to believe, so not claiming a 1st decent at this stage but time will tell. All the rapids got paddled by our second decent. There are a few flood fences across the river, the second marking the start of the action. Put in is where the road comes back to the river above the Mason/Old Man hills. Take out is at the Wandle River bridge. Approx 2-3 hrs paddling to the bottom of the action (0.5hr flat paddle in) and then 1 hour G2+ to the Wandle River road bridge.