Arnold River West Coast New
Zealand
The Arnold River drains
Lake Brunner, leaving the lake at Moana, to the right of the launching
ramp. It runs approx 24kms down to its confluence with the Grey River at
the town of Stillwater. The Arnold is one of the regions
premier rivers, but is significantly overgrown with willows in
some sections. Much of the margin is inaccessible, with native
forest to the edge, but for those prepared ot bash through the
jungle, the rewards can be substantial. The lake acts as a
giant filter, so the river is seldom discoloured. The bed is
stable, allowing for significant aquatic plant growth, and
consequently it has the most prolific insect life of any local
river - this means good hatches, especially caddis..
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The beginning of the Arnold River
on the north-west corner of with Lake Brunner, Mt Alexander in the centre
background, Mt Te Kinga in right foreground.. |
The Arnold is a
river with a split personality. The upper section, Moana to Kotuku, is calm,
slow-moving and placid. Below the confluence of Molloy Creek, the pace quickens
and the lagoon-like atmosphere evaporates in a heartbeat.
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It travels some 24 kms to
Stillwater, where it joins the Grey River. Midway down its length, there is a
small hydro electric power station, and the dam creates a small lake up as far
as Stony Creek. |
Below the power-station,
the river is Grade II+, with some Grade III rapids, and kayakers and rafters are
somewhat bemused to see the drift boat bobbing along fishing through this stuff!
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| Last big rapid before the Kokiri
bridge - note the broken oar! |
Guide is very nonchalant, as Rob
Caldwell paddles with the busted oar!
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After all the
excitement is sorted out, we resume the trip with the spare breakdown oar.
Kokiri to Stillwater is fast water all the way, with a couple of nice pools
where we can get out and walk upstream to fish.
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| The dynamic duo - Rob
& Rob removing the hook |
and pose before release |
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The drift boat at rest, not far
above Stillwater |
   
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