Matakitaki River
The Matakitaki River flows from the northern flanks of Nelson Lakes National Park and into the Buller River on the outskirts of Murchison.
It contains steep gorges and braided sections. It is widely used for recreation, including kayaking and angling. The middle Matakitaki is host to activities of the annual BullerFest kayaking event - and is one of the most paddled sections of the river in the country.
Angling is a stunning remote experience, and with clear waters, is a fishing haven for many national and international visitors.
The margins of the river are flanked with kowhai and beech. Endangered birds nest in the riverbed, and our only land mammal, the bat, may be found within the valley.
Who's Planning to Destroy the wild Matakitaki River
The Threat to the Matakitaki River
Network Tasman have proposed a series of three dams to store water and generate power for the Tasman region. The dams would inundate areas at Blue Rock (middle Matakitaki section), Horse Terrace, Mammoth Gorge and the braided section above Mammoth Flat.
Preliminary investigations recommended these sites. Since announcing their plans, Network Tasman has received resounding opposition calls both throughout New Zealand and internationally, and currently plans for the feasibilitiy stage of the proposal are progressing more slowly.
Organisations Supporting the Matakitaki River
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