Braided river country up in the high country, with the Rakaia spreading out across rocky riverbed beneath the alpine ranges. This is a genuinely hard route that weaves across ever-changing channels, and you can easily fill a full day or more poking around the valley.

Because you're following a living river, the mapped line is only a best guess based on past trips. You'll need to read the water and pick your own path as you go. There are deep, soft channels that have turned parties back, including near where Redcliffe Stream meets the Rakaia at the edge of the range, so check depths before every crossing.

Access from the Lake Heron side crosses private land, so sort permission ahead of time ([email protected]) before you head in. Travel with at least one other vehicle since the bogging risk is high, and carry proper recovery gear, a winch and shovel included. You'll want solid river-driving experience, plenty of supplies, and an eye on the weather and river levels. Expect little to no cell reception once you're in deep.