Mohaka

Course and characteristics

Up in the Kaweka range the Mōhaka is a twisting grade II river with a bit of grade III. There are several Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites, hot pools and plenty of undisturbed native bush. After approximately 36 km, it comes out of the Kawekas and farmland becomes more common The river bends itself into an oxbow and shortly after rapids become larger as it leads into the grade III section. DOC campsites are still found along this 68 km stretch.

As the more technical grade III rapids begin the river flows past native bush of the Tataraakina block on the left and Waitere Station on the right. This section contains Te Hoe's rapid, which is the largest and longest in this section. There are 3 gorges to be appreciated on this run.

History

Ngāti Pāhauwera's traditional tribal territory is from the Te Hoe river junction to its mouth. The river, including its waters, bed and fisheries, is a taonga of Ngati Pahauwera. In particular they place great emphasis on the role the river plays in their tribal identity.

The Mōhaka was an important river for fishing and transport long before the settlers arrived. Archeological surveys have found extensive evidence of villages and temporary camps along the lower and upper Mōhaka. The Maori collected hāngī stones, taupunga, opunga, poutama, kowhaturi from the riverbed.

The famous Maori, Te Kooti, reportedly frequented the area. Te Kooti's Lookout, said to be the site of a fight with the British, is visible from the river. Later, Europeans used the Mōhaka to transport timber.

Geology

Much of the Mōhaka runs through sedimentary rock. In the upper sections, greywacke commonly forms the steeper banks with smaller stones and shingle forming shallow beds and beaches. Conglomerate, sandstone and limestone begin to dominate the banks and large boulders create the rapids down through the grade III section.

Moving closer to the grade V section, the boulders become larger and the banks narrow into a deep gorge. Large conglomerate blocks form the first rapid then the river eases into a sedimentary rock canyon. The boulders, while impressive in size, are even more intriguing because of the holes and depressions the water has carved into them. House rock worth a closer look; the center has been carved out and is accessible only by a hole in the side.