| The Waikato River is the longest river in New | | | | The river changes depth throughout and in one or |
| Zealand, beginning at Lake Taupo and the Huka Falls. | | | | two places your canoe may even touch the bottom. |
| Now heavily controlled in its upper reaches with | | | | The water is fairly clean but I wouldn't drink it as |
| numerous dams sinking many a great rapid. | | | | Hamilton and other towns release their treated |
| The last dam ends just before Cambridge and you | | | | sewage into it. |
| can start your journey there, if you want to add an | | | | Starting at Hamilton to Ngaruawahia is an easy trip. |
| extra day to your journey. It is a one day trip from | | | | Passing Ngarauwahia you pass the residence of the |
| Cambridge to Hamilton. I recommend starting your | | | | Maori King. Just passed where the Waipa River joins |
| trip in Hamilton and making a two day trip of it. There | | | | are some Islands on which to camp. |
| are numerous uninhabited Islands in the center of the | | | | The next day another easy trip to Huntly. You pass |
| River and they are big enough to fix a couple of | | | | an old army camp and you can stop in Huntly for a |
| tents. The River moves quicker than walking pace | | | | serve of fish and chips and resume your journey. |
| and it is very difficult to paddle upstream so don't go | | | | Just passed Huntly is a descent size Island where |
| canoeing passed your camp once set up for the | | | | you can camp for the night. |
| night. | | | | The next day after some decent paddling you can |
| As the river's flow is highly regulated there is little | | | | arrange to be picked up a Meri Meri where the River |
| worry of flooding except in the most exceptional rain. | | | | again meets the main state highway. |