Waimakariri River

Waimakariri River Christchurch can vary widely in its flow and current, so swim here with caution and also be mindful of boating traffic.
Popular swimming holes can be found by the old Waimakariri bridge outside of Kaiapoi or in the Gorge.
If you have never swam there only swim where others are and be aware there is a strong current and no life guards.

Jet Boating
Waimakariri River can be very busy in the height of summer.  On a weekend you could have up to 20 boats out there at once.
New rules on operating a jet boat in the river are due to come into effect July 2019.

Fishing
There is a special riverside platform available to disabled anglers. A key for the gate allows vehicle access right to the platform and is available from Blackwells in Kaiapoi

Top spot on the river is McIntoshes Rocks which are 2km upstream from the Waimakariri River mouth. It is a great place to go to while away a few hours with a good chance of catching a salmon for dinner or the smoker.

The Waimakariri Gorge is a spectacular fishing venue that offers top class salmon and trout fishing with the best months being from late February to late April. Salmon pools are easy to locate and access. Fish lie very close to the bottom of the river and so it is necessary to get lures down deep and fish them along the bottom to entice a strike.