A gravel road takes you down to the Waimakariri, one of Canterbury's big braided rivers running out from the Southern Alps. The run in is easy enough, but once you're down on the riverbed it's a different story.

Down there you'll want your wits about you. Plenty of shingle, shifting channels and soft spots, so take your time and pick your lines carefully. Water levels change quickly, so keep an eye on things and don't push a crossing you're not sure about.

These braided rivers are nesting grounds for a lot of birds, so stay out of the river during nesting time and follow the signs. Good country to explore if you're careful, just don't be that guy who wrecks it for everyone else.