Paddling near Hawera, Taranaki

Hawera sits in South Taranaki, a region laced with rivers draining the flanks of Taranaki maunga toward the Tasman Sea. River paddling defines the local scene, with the Waitara River standing out as an accessible whitewater run featuring Grade 2 rapids through native bush, cliff faces and farmland. The Whanganui River, one of New Zealand's great paddling journeys, is also within reach of the region.