I've got a good idea where I will be going on my next trip to NZ. I've just been reading how the NZ government is about to dam the Mokihinui River on the West Coast of New Zealand. Looking at the YouTube video below, it appears to be a pretty scenic river, with a mix of Grade 1-3 rapids. Though I'm gauging that purely from the river so do your own research. The Mokihinui River is the longest river on the West Coast of NZ, but that’s not saying much since the catchments are small.
I go hate to see river catchments destroyed. This one is fairly scenic. In this case it’s not readily apparent why there is a need for hydro electric power since there is a significant amount of coal in the area. So greenies, you can choice your poison – a coal fired power station or a hydro scheme. Regardless one suspects someone will be making your mind up for you. But at least dissident canoeists can have their chance for a canoe because I dare say government will be debating the issue for another 2 years before construction will prevent canoeing. In the interim here is an idea of what will be lost.
Also, check out the link from the Forest and Bird website: http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/conservation/freshwater/mokihinui.asp where you will ways to help Save the Mokihinui River.
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Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com
Inflatable Canoeing Adventures - Buy this eBook!
Most of us can relate to the fun we had canoeing at summer camp when we were young. But that was nothing compared to the experience of whitewater kayaking that came next for me. I have always loved canoeing, though it always seemed difficult to participate. It has only been in the last decade that the development of inflatable canoes has made a big difference. You can more easily access rivers, you can store a canoe in your car, you can even take them on a plane. They are very light, very cheap, with little loss of functionality. Perfect for weekends away or campervan holidays. Social networking was the other big change. You can now use Facebook, etc to join canoeing adventures in your local region or abroad. 
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Canoeing the Mokihinui River, Sth Island, New Zealand
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