Hydro generation assets in the Kaimai area help create white water river flows in the Wairoa.
Water is released from the Lake McLaren Dam on 26 days per year to create river flows suitable for white water rafting and kayaking.
The Wairoa River is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most accessible stretches of white water, located in the Lower Kaimai area of the Bay of Plenty.
The most common place to enter the river for rafting or kayaking is below the McLaren Falls Bridge on McLaren Falls Road, off State Highway 29.
Please note, the river is grade 5 - exceedingly difficult with long and violent rapids.
Safety on the water is your own responsibility, so suitable skills and preparation is vital. If in doubt, contact the Kaimai Canoe Club.
Water flow release dates for the 2026-27 season are confirmed.
Flows are released from the Lake McLaren Dam between 10:00am and 4:00pm on the dates below. All releases are on Sundays, with the exception of the double release on the weekend of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February 2027.
2026
2027
* Double flow date Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February 2027 for the Wairoa Extreme Race and Lower Gorge Slalom.
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