0274982958
 RED 425 HUTT RIVER |  RED390 on HUTT RIVER |  RED 330 ON THE MOHAKA |  RED350 on THE MOTU |  RED425 ON MOHAKA TE HOE RUN |  RED 430 TONGARIRO RAFTING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 425 ON THE HUTT RIVER |  RED IK ON LOWER HUTT RIVER |
RED WHITEWATER RAFTS
RED 330
RED 390 SYMMETRICAL
RED390 SQUAREBACK
RED 420 SYMMETRICAL
RED425 SQUAREBACK
RED 430 ON THE TONGARIRO
WHY RED?
TOP EQUIPMENT FROM THE FACTORY TO YOU
Its about getting the right equipment at the right price.
And who in their right mind doesn't want that?
Nowadays we have a bunch of options when it comes to buying equipment for the outdoors, whether it be retail, wholesale, E commerce site or from some dodgy international website you're not sure of.
Okay. Stop worrying. We've been there, done that for you.
Ever since RED started we had one goal in mind: making sure the product you order is right and that fits your budget.
We have done all the hard work and have established relationships with selected manufacturers overseas.
We provide the peace of mind that your product has been tested and trialled right here in NZ.
Which RED raft for NZ rivers?
Lets face it, New Zealand rivers are vastly different from one Island to the other. Here's a few ideas we can recommend to help you decide which raft is going to suit your needs.
NOTE this is a rough guide and personal observation so don't take it as gospel!
Northland and Auckland
Northland and Auckland tend to be a bit shy of rivers to float, except for a few Northland flood runs that keen locals head for when it rains. We do have a few keen hunters who have bought 320 rafts which they take them down their local pig hunting river. Last imagery we saw from there were of pigs half the size of the boat.
Top of the South
The two big major rivers we're concerned with here are The Buller and The Clarence. The Buller has RED enthusiasts running all sizes down the length of the river corridor
We have 420, the big water 430, 425 squarebacks being rowed, down to 330s with fishermen enjoying the quiter sections and side rivers, such as The Grey.
The Clarence has seen everything form 330 to 425 squarebacks and everything in between. Me? I like the 390 and everything it has to offer...not too big, not so small that you can't take a few extra luxuries . Perfect for rowing
Bay Of Plenty and Volcanic Plateau
Where do we start and what a mixture of RED rafts are operating in these areas. We have had 350s loaded with gear and folks floating the headwaters of the Ngaruroro, and Rangitikei.(not to be missed if you get the chance)
Then on the Motu and Whakatane we have had 350, 390s 420 and 425 squarebacks enjoying the multi day options these great rivers have to offer.
Then dont forget the Mohaka -320/350 and up to 390 for the heli raft trip to the top, and all sizes up to 425 for the lower sections.
The ever popular Tongariro runs everything on Access 10, and 390 with good crews are loving flow days on ACCESS 13 AND 14
Jeffs Joy Section of the Rangitaiki seems to attract 390, 420 and 425 enthusiasts where the lower section sees anything that flows for big wavy fun. The Wairoa on flow days sees 390, 420 and the odd fun loving individual ripping it up in a 320. Good luck with that they cry!
The Kaituna deserves respect and the 420 and 425 suit the Tutea drop better than smaller boats.
Canterbury and The West Coast
Canterbury RED people seem to use all kinds of rafts to float their big variety and style of rivers available.
we regularly get enquiries for Waimak and Clarence (officially Canterbury, but always think of it in the north of the south)
As for the west coast, there are a number of 420s and a 430 over there and some fun loving individuals doing epic stuff in 390s.
So much to see ! So much to do!
Rangitikei and Wellington
Below the Gentle Annie road The Rangitikei offers a myriad of rafting opportunities
The Class4/5 section is ideal for 420 and 425
rafts, whereas the lower regions we have Inflatable kayaks and 390 rafts being used for family fun and trout fishing enthusiasts.
The Hutt river is the Home of Wellington rafting and the Hutt Canoe club who use IKs, 320s, 390s and 425 squarebacks when the river is up and at its charging best.
What a fantastic resource this river is and only 45 minutes from the Capital.
Otago Southland
Again big rivers like bigger boats and the shallow headwaters like mid sized boats. We have 420s, 425s being used on bigger water, and 350s and 330s being used for training.
We even have the ever so versatile 390 being used as a gold dredge support vessel.
The Landsborough has seen 390s and 420s enjoying the variety that sometime beast of a river has to offer. We recall it going from a beautiful gin clear mountain class 2-3 to a howling moster of a thing overnight. It sure can come up when it rains over there so be careful!
FIELD TESTED
It's a tough job , but someone has to do it.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
You want a well designed, strong boat that will do the business. Our boats have well tried and tested fabric and fittings. and are designed for NZ rivers.
Here's Steve and a few unruly passengers on the Motu in January 2020
THE UPPER MOHAKA
Our 425 square back is designed for rowing that camping gear, barrels,or your lazy mate who likes to fish every pool you come across.
And if you want to charge down some bigger whitewater the you'll love the steady lines this boat will run.
A great all rounder for NZ conditions.
AND.
Why rowing ? Give it a go....
Our boats are row-frame ready , and compartments designed for mesh gear tramps from NRS.
RED 420 AND ROWING FRAMES
WE have a RED enthusiast that knows all about frames and is of the engineering inclination. Drop us a line if you need a frame . Steve could maybe just help you out.
RED320 ...TE HOE DROP
Styling it in low flow.
LAB TESTED
Strong ,tough, waterproof.
And the boats aren't bad either
AUSTIN FROM RED USA ON THE BIG DITCH
Here's our man in Colorado getting ready for Hance Rapid at 16000 CFS.
(Note Tee Shirt)
WELLINGTON RAFTING HUTT RIVER
You really should go with these guys when visiting the Capital. Rainy day-don't know what to do...perfect!
RED430 ON EARTHQUAKE SECTION
The Buller in flood can be a beast. Glenn from Nelson loves it! He has a 430 and here's what he says.."Great boat -solid as
Thanks for the new toy going to enjoy it "
Top bloke that Glenn .
RED RESCUE RAFTS
THanks to FENZ for their continuing support (and use of the pic) Well done with the dog rescue. Stay safe out there!
Took boat down the O'sullivans to Swing Bridge run on Saturday including the Ariki Falls. Handles really well. She ran beautifully. Tracked well through wave trains and punched through the standing wave at Ariki.
Mike, 425 driver, Nelson, on his recent trip trip down the Buller
Set the 320 up and did some training with new owner.
Great boat man …
Steve, Raft Frame man and River Dog from wayback
Hey Gareth the raft performed brilliantly on the Buller earth quake section in hi flow
Stoked bro -impressed other raft guides Great choice of boat!
Good profile of raft sitting on the water with 8 pax -nice rocker on it
Am one happy rafty!
Glenn 430 Driver, Nelson
RED 405 on the upper Mohaka. This heli wilderness trip is a must.
Captain Lance report the boat went fine with 4 pax and gear
even in low flows
A BIT ABOUT US
We've be around a while and are keen to see you make the right decision for the boat you think you want and make sure it fits the rivers you're going to be doing.
RED rafts are designed for New Zealand conditions by New Zealanders. Local experience is the thing that makes RED different from a number of other boats on the water.
RED Rescue Sleds
Designed in association with Rescue experts right here in New Zealand
After supplying Fire and Emergency Services with rafts, we began to look at further needs and requirements of the rescue fraternity.
Let's face it, flood events, both in urban environments and rural are getting worse.
To that end we have made 2 person team sleds that can be used not only on river rescues but also in urban environments, where effecting a rescue is time critical with the resources that are easily on hand .
Then we have the larger sled, which has been designed around creating a floating rescue platform that is providing safety and stability for a number of rescuers, with well thought out D ring locations, a work bench /seat and a removable thwart that not only provides extra lateral stability but also , when deployed helps provide extra safety for rescued victims as well as crew.
Custom Building
Can't see what your'e looking for? Then give us a call and between us we will come up with a boat that should fit your needs.
Top adventurer Olly Dow and his team needed a raft that was small enough for Heli-headwater trips but of a decent size to take the knocks on other rivers such as The Mighty Motu. To that end we came up with a 350 that seemed to fit the bill.
Design comes quite easily if you know what rivers you will be looking at, as either we've been there ourselves, or, if not, know someone in the RED family who has.
Here's what Olly had to say after going hard out on everything that had water in it for 2 months.
"Boats go amazing. You’re right about pumping real hard. And man they really have been great. The crew had no guiding experience, hit soooo many rocks, some quite sharp, no punctures and still great condition. Very impressed. We managed to break a paddle but shit happens"
and
"I have noticed the boats track amazingly when weighted with 4 people or 2+ gear. They performed super well on the Motu with 2 of us and have performed well with 4 on the Rangitaiki. "
A big thanks for the comments and use of the excellent pix Olly. Keep up the good work!
BELOW
Olly and his mates enjoying the full on backcountry experience that river journeys have to offer.
RED RECOMMENDS
Some river related stuff to watch or buy when you're at home
THE GRAND INGA PROJECT
They are the world's biggest rapids, thundering down the final pitch of the mighty Congo. Legendary kayaker Steve Fisher and his elite expedition team battle seemingly insurmountable obstacles in an attempt to survive the Inga Rapids. 'CONGO' chronicles this historic journey and was recently awarded 'BEST FILM' at the X-Dance Film Festival and more. Available at redbull.tv Netflix and iTunes
THE RIVER RUNNER
Legendary kayaker Scott Lindgren attempts to complete an extreme, unprecedented whitewater expedition 20-years-in-the-making. When a brain tumor derails his goals, he sinks into the darkness of his own trauma only to discover that healing, like any expedition, is not a destination but a journey.
NEW ZEALAND RIVER GUIDE
A must . Spend a bit of time (and have a smile at many of Graham Charles' humorous descriptions) reading this site before you leap in the truck and head to the river.
It may save you some grief and give you a backgrounder on what you're up for.
LEGENDARY STUFF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo34oY0hg3M
New Zealand based Whitewater legend Mick Hopkinson OBE, MBE IPA and Bar shows us how it was done when big water paddling was done in fibreglass kayaks wearing scraps of wetsuit and surviving on a diet of dundee cake and kukri rum.
In this excellent doco shot by Leo Dickinson, Mick , Mike Jones and crew tackle the Dudh Kosi on the flanks of Everest way back in 1976.
Stirring stuff.
ANOTHER ONLINE RIVER GUIDE
Here's a site with some good info . Okay, some of it relates to packrafts and they seem to do quite a bit of walking with boats on their backs, but for those lazy buggers amongst us who know about helicopters, then the rest of the info is relevant. Worth a look when you're couch bound.
https://www.packraftingtrips.nz/
RAFT FRAMES
Steve the Old River Dog of Tauranga does a lovely job on Frames. Here's one he just turned out for a 320 (see further down this page)
And it breaks down easily to fit in a helicopter. Get in touch if you're interested and we will hook you up.
RED 425 -RAFT HUNTING
What Joe and the Wild Bunch from the Bay of Plenty get up to in their RED 425
HANDSOME LOOKING CREW
The dogs do all the work though
PREPARED FOR BIG WATER AND WET WEATHER
But these sound chaps are up for it
WHAT THE LADS WENT THERE TO GET
There's some big pigs in them there hills.
DIRECT FROM THE FACTORY TO YOU
here's some RED info supplied by RED clients around the country
THE KAITUNA RIVER-A TOUGH TESTING GROUND
A BIT OF LOCAL BETA
There's murmuring the Waitaha Dam proposal is rearing it's ugly head again.
"Westpower wants to invest in the construction, operation and maintenance of a run-of–river hydro scheme on the Waitaha River. The proposal is to develop a hydro-electric power scheme based on a renewable resource.
The Scheme is located within and on the true right bank of the Waitaha River between the lower end of Kiwi Flat and Macgregor Creek within the Waitaha Valley, and within the northern half of the Westland District. It is predominantly on Stewardship Land managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). "
Keep your ears to the ground .
meanwhile
Here's Liam Hopkinson strutting his stuff at the Gates of the Morgan Gorge
What a spectacular piece of Wilderness.
Let our Rivers Run
Start working on your multi day raft trip NOW.
Here's a RED crew from Christchurch on the Clarence in November
Need a frame for your new raft? Let us help with that...
RESCUE 3 is run by top bloke Daniel Manzano. Dan has a wealth of experience in water safety and rescue and is based in Rotorua.
Drop him a line here and get you and your mates trained up.
Its fun (who doesn't like swimming in rivers when there's someone to rescue you??) and it may save you some embarrassing situations on the river
d.a.manzano@gmail.com
A NOTE FROM HAPPY RED CAPTAIN, GRAHAM ALEXANDER
"I have now been rafting a RED 420 double ender(symmetrical) now for three years.
We have covered a few hundred kilometres and rafted many rivers.
Our raft has never let us down, whether it is a one day trip down gentle Annie in the upper grey river gorge or our annual multi day trip on the Clarence river.
Whatever configuration it is used as,either Full crew with paddles, row frame, centre rig or rear end rig loaded with gear.
The raft performs equally as well as your high end expensive commercial raft manufacturers.
Apart from the usual scrape marks from general wear and usage, it is still in excellent condition. For me RED 420 is the best value for money. handling is a ten out of ten, durability ten out of ten, D rings and fittings ten out ten,
(BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE> ED)
Puncture resistance ten out ten { we have not yet had a puncture}
Value for money ten out of ten. "
Graham Alexander, RED 420 Captain, Christchurch
Gee thanks Graham, we just don't know what to say
PS
The money is in the post okay?
CONTACT US
Recreational Equipment Designs
We have RED Agents in Auckland, The Bay of Plenty, Christchurch and Kerikeri
Give us a ring if you wish to meet up and have a test ride or kick the tubes on a raft
