Downstream to Merrijig there is access to the river at the Chapel Hill Road Bridge, the Hearns Road bridge, the bridge on the Mansfield- Jamieson Road and finally at the Goughs Bay Road bridge across the Delatite Arm of Eildon Weir.
This section is a two day paddle, and canoeists should be wary of the willows, trees, snags and fences. The river characteristics vary over different sections, and can be described quite precisely. The first two hours from Merrijig provide consistent grade 2 to 3 drops and pebble races, generally spaced up to 100m apart.
The first major rapid is encountered when the river cuts a small gorge through a range of hills. The main drop is best approached by keeping to the right bank, well away from a willow tree growing in the centre of the river. The next major rapid is encountered when the river does a blind, tight right hand bend around an island overgrown with willows. This is best approached by keeping to the left. Shortly after this a small island overgrown with willows again divides the river. The safest passage here is on the left hand side where the channel flows beside a small cliff face and over three small drops of grade 2.
The river then flattens and widens where one notable obstacle is a 2m drop over a weir. This should be examined from the left bank before shooting. This is best canoed just right of centre, where a section of concrete has been broken away from the bottom of the wall. The weir may be canoed in open boats during average spring water conditions.
During high water, large standing waves are encountered and there are only a few quiet pools in the gorge.
The trip from Merrijig to Hearns Road Bridge takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on water level.
There is a good camp-site 100m downstream of the Hearns Road Bridge. This area is frequently used and no timber is available.
The second day begins with 2 1/2 hours of grade 1 pebble races spaced up to several hundred metres apart. The river then flows under the main Mansfield-Jamieson Road and has consistent grade 2 rapids to Eildon Weir. Care must be taken to avoid the overhanging willows.
As the country is open, the river can be followed on foot.
Map: 1:100,000 National Mapping - Mansfield.
Recommended Trips:
Providing there is sufficient water, a good weekend trip begins 2km upstream of Merrijig with an overnight stop near Hearns Road Bridge, finishing at the Mansfield-Jamieson Road Bridge. This trip contains most of the interesting sections.
Minimum water level 0.9m Best level 1.2m at Tonga Bridge.