Date:    12/11/2022
River:    Avon River, Christchurch, NZ
River Conditions:   1.339 cumecs at Gloucester Street bridge. Water clear. Grade 1.
Weather Conditions:   Sunny and warm, changing to overcast and some spots of rain.
Number on Trip:    1 person.
Time on River:  1.50 hours.
Comments:  It had been a beautiful day and the weather was looking to turn, so it seemed an ideal time to squeeze in a paddle before the rain came. I carried the Blitz down to the river and set up to launch off the rock filled gabion baskets that form the jetty I usually get out on. I seal launched into the river, my kayaks nose sliding under the water, the water cascading off my deck before I set off upstream.

The current was fairly swift (for the Avon) as the tide must have been turning, but the sky was still blue and the waters’ surface, a mirror. It was great to be on the river and to revel in the beauty of nature, it was very relaxing despite the physical exertion. To drink in nature and to be present in the natural environment, is a real pleasure and makes me feel alive.

The Red Zone is a great resource and it is a special place and I love spending time exploring it. To have such an amazing place in the heart of the city is rare and I hope the future developments preserve its’ accessibility and natural features.

Just above the Swanns Road bridge, the swans have a next and it looks like their young one is growing up. I didn’t get too close, not wanting to disturb the family, as swans can get quite protective, especially when they have signets.

Further upstream there was a family of Paradise Shelducks at the Linwood High School landing, the ducks finding it useful despite its’ battered condition.

When the river runs beside Avonside Drive, the vehicle noise level goes up but it is still a pleasant paddle between the tree lined banks. A quick slalom between the pillars under the Stanmore Road bridge, then on up to the Fitzgearald Avenue bridge and past Pomeroys.

Interestingly after the earthquakes, they rebuilt Fitzgerald Avenue where it borders the river, as big cracks broke up the road and walkways. For some reason, the new road now dips down and under normal flows (like is shown above) is not far from the waters’ surface. This means that during high flows and floods, the northern lanes are often closed due to flooding, and sometimes even the southern lanes are effected too. Civil engineers eh?

Moving into the Avon Loop and away from the road, the peace returns. The river gets a little swifter in the sections where lateral spreading in the earthquake brought the banks closer together.

Paddling around the Avon Loop and past the Barbadoes Street cemetery make you feel like you are in the countryside, not in the centre of a city.

Passing under the Barbadoes Street bridge brought me back to our old neighbourhood. I paddled as far as I could before the shallow waters of the “fire station rapids” stopped by upstream progress. It was time to head home anyway. I chose to drift back down the river, to relax and soak in my surroundings. I spotted a number of fish, a bike frame and a small set of bolt cutters in the water as I floated by.

Spots of rain were falling as I neared home. Flashing lights peaked my interest and I noted the Police arresting some guy beside the river as I passed, not sure why and I didn’t stop to ask. I was soon clambering out at the spot I had launched from earlier and heading home before the rain started to pour down. Time for a nice shower before cooking dinner.