Paddling near Brightwater, Tasman

Brightwater sits in the Waimea Plains of the Tasman region, flanked by the Wairoa River on its doorstep and within reach of some of the South Island's most varied paddling. The area is best known as a gateway to Abel Tasman National Park's celebrated sea kayaking coastline, while the Motueka and Buller rivers draw whitewater paddlers, and Lake Rotoiti provides calmer flatwater options.