Race News | Kathmandu Coast to Coast

News

Coast to Coast team to take on GODZONE

By Struan Purdie • October 2, 2025

Polytech students score last min sponsored adventure race entry

10yrs of Kathmandu & Coast to Coast

By Struan Purdie • August 3, 2025

A decade of partnership

TradeMe charity auction winner

By Struan Purdie • July 21, 2025

Taupiri Couple to tackle Kathmandu Coast to Coast after winning sold-out entry for charity

Deborah Lynch wins maiden Longest Day title

By Struan Purdie • February 8, 2025

After two consecutive years of 6th place finishes, Deb Lynch finally secures win

First Australian win in 32 years

By Struan Purdie • February 8, 2025

Longest day champ Alex Hunt breaks 3 decade drought for the Aussies

Trevail & King maintain lead to secure victory

By Struan Purdie • February 8, 2025

Two Day Individual: 3rd time lucky for Emily Trevail, Sam King marks birthday in style

Sub 3.5hr mountain run victory

By Struan Purdie • February 7, 2025

Wellington's David Haunschmidt claims his first win

Two Day Individual race report

By Struan Purdie • February 7, 2025

Emily Trevail & Sam King take early lead

Ready, set, go...

By Struan Purdie • February 6, 2025

Excitement peaks as final preparations for 2025 Kathmandu Coast to Coast conclude

The river is typically low around the race date. 35-70 cumecs as measured at the Otarama Gauge - The race day river flow cut-off is technically 180 cumecs, but also depends on associated weather factors.

The river is classified as Grade 2 with braided river and gorge characteristics. You are likely to encounter wave trains, strong eddy lines, bluffs, braids midstream rock hazards and tree hazards. From the put in, paddle downstream on generally easy grade 1 riffles with multiple braid options. Good river reading skills will help you take the most efficient and fastest lines. After about 30 minutes you will reach 3-4 Rock Garden Rapids. These change annually, but usually involve a mixture of manoeuvring arond boulders and punching larger waves.

At 15km you pass the Gooseberry Stream Checkpoint. This is the last opportunity to exit the river prior to committing to the Gorge. Another 10km of braided style river will see you at the Esk Checkpoint and the beginning of the Waimakariri Gorge. The gorge is about

30km long and consists of larger wave trains, bluffs and boily eddy lines.

If the river is higher there are more options, often with ’chicken routes’, but as the river drops in volume the options become fewer and the rapids more technical. The Gorge is absolutely stunning and if you are comfortable in your boat it will be one of the highlights

of the race. Significant landmarks to look for are Hamilton Rapid at the mid-point of the kayak stage, and the Red Staircase Viaduct which is two thirds of the way through the gorge.

The Woodstock Checkpoint marks the end of the gorge and the beginning of the final 15km braided section. Willow tree hazards are prevalent in this section. Stay focused on good route choice and avoiding tree hazards.

The exit is on the river right immediately downstream of Gorge Bridge. Get out of your kayak, leave it with your support crew and cross over the timing mat. Run up the track that starts near the bottom of the gravel road on the right by the permanent toilets, go around

the outside of the trees in the centre of the transition area to your bike.

River Safety Notes

If you are expecting to swim you should be paddling a more stable boat or getting more time on Grade 2 water. A swim will cost you 15 mins, a lot of energy and exposure to unnecessary risk. Your ‘faster’ boat will need to have an outboard to make up that swim time!
River safety personnel are stationed at known trouble spots on the course. They are not everywhere, and are primarily there for emergencies.– expect to self-rescue if you swim. If you see someone in trouble, please help them whilst ensuring you don’t put yourself in danger. Communicate any issues you see to next downstream river safety personnel.
Having an understanding of international river signals is important. Officials may use them to communicate hazards or direct you to preferred lines
Jet boats are used as part of our safety management system. They are important for the transportation of officials, rescuing competitors, radio communications and evacuations of injured competitors. Jet boats require less water and produce less wake when going fast.
Verbally communicate your bib number to check point officials and/ or paddle close to enable a clear view of your number. Paddle between bouys at timing mats.
Look for and follow signage. This is aimed to keep you away from hazards and within the managed river braids.
If you exit your kayak and end up on the riverbank, please be aware that 80% of the kayak stage is only accessible by jet boat. Depending on your location, it may take some time for officials to reach you for a rescue. If you’re unable to continue paddling, you will likely need to remain with checkpoint crew until you can be safely transported off-course, which may only happen once the tailend Charlie has passed. To stay warm while waiting, please put on your compulsory clothing.

Stage 5

Cycle 70km

Turn right and cross the one-lane Gorge Bridge and head up the small incline, which is the only climb on the final cycle. After 8.8km on the main road, turn right onto South Eyre Road. Continue down here for 41.2km (including 26km without a turn).

Turn right onto Tram Road and follow the road over the bridge that crosses State Highway 1 for 2.75km. Turn right onto the Main North Road and follow this, across the Waimakariri River, for 2.9km to a large intersection and continue straight onto Marshland Road, there is a railway line crossing after this intersection, obey road rules and stop for trains. Continue for another 3.5km to reach Lower Styx Road, where you turn left, then Right onto Te Korari Street, Left onto Te Rito Street, Left onto Prestons Road (Prestons Road follows onto Burwood Road) and then turn left into Mairehau Road. Continue for 2.2km then turn left into Beach Road for 1.75km. The road turns to the right and becomes Marine Parade - and the finish is within sight. Ride 2.3km down Marine Parade before dismounting directly in front of the New Brighton Pier.

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