Rivers in New Zealand and Australia are unpredictable. A trickle in the morning can turn into a torrent after a few hours of rain in the headwaters. 

This is why river safety matters. It’s not about being “tough enough” to push through, it’s about having the good sense to read the conditions, trust your gut, and make the smart call.

The main risks include:

• Fast current – flowing water has far more force than you think.

• Cold shock – glacial and alpine rivers can sap your energy instantly.

• Obstacles – logs, boulders, and drop-offs that you can’t see from the bank.

• Rising levels – safe one day, uncrossable the next.

Not understanding river safety is a bit like crossing a busy road with your eyes closed. It’s just not smart.

Planning Ahead for River Crossings

Crossing rivers safely starts long before you reach the water. A bit of planning can mean the difference between a smooth trip and a rescue mission.

• Know your route: Check maps or DOC notes for rivers you’ll need to cross. If anyone in your group isn’t confident, look for an alternative track or plan to turn back.

• Watch the weather: Rain in the headwaters means rising rivers downstream, even if the sky is blue where you are. Always check the MetService mountain forecast.

• Have a backup plan: A hut to retreat to, a sidetrack to bypass the river, or the willingness to camp out and wait for the river level to drop.

• Be prepared to wait: Make sure you’re well prepared with an emergency shelter, good-quality wet weather gear, extra food, first aid kit, and a comms device like a PLB. Prepare for the worst case scenario, hope for the best.

• Waterproof your gear: Use a pack liner or dry bags inside your pack. Spread essential items across the group so one soaked pack doesn’t put you all in trouble.

• Leave intentions: Tell your emergency contact that your trip involves river crossings and plan to check in if you’re delayed. If there’s a hut on your route, make sure to leave your intentions in the Hut Book, even if you’re not staying the night.

Spot the Signs of an Unsafe River

Standing on the bank, it’s easy to talk yourself into “just giving it a go.” But rivers give you plenty of red flags if you’re willing to listen:

• Too fast? If the water is moving faster than you can walk, it’s too strong.

• Too deep? Anything above thigh height on the shortest person is usually unsafe.

• Too dirty? Murky, brown, or foamy water hides boulders, logs, and holes.

• Too messy? Floating debris is a sign the river is still rising or unstable.

• Too loud? If it’s roaring like a freight train, that’s nature telling you to stay out.

If the answer is “yes” to any of these, don’t cross. Waiting it out or turning back might be frustrating, but it beats being swept downstream.

What To Do if the River is Unsafe

• Wait it out: Rivers often drop overnight or a few hours after rain clears. Set up shelter, stay warm, make a cup of coffee on the bank and reassess.

• Use Plan B: Backtrack to a hut, camp out, or reroute via a bridge. Don’t just “give it a go” because you’re getting impatient.

• Communicate: Let your emergency contact know you’ve changed plans as soon as possible.

How to Choose a Safe Place to Cross

Say the river looks crossable. Don’t just plunge in where the track meets the water. Take your time and scout for the safest spot.

• Look for a wide, straight section of river rather than a narrow chute where water is funneled and faster.

• View the river from a high vantage point if possible. This gives you a better sense of depth, gravel spits, sandbanks, or hidden channels.

• Choose an entry and exit point with gentle banks. You want to be able to back out easily if needed and climb out safely on the far side.

• Aim for a shingle or gravel bed with even footing. Avoid steep drop-offs or silty bottoms where you’ll sink.

• The current should be no faster than walking pace. Throw a stick in and see if you can keep pace with it from the bank.

• Depth should ideally be no higher than thigh level on the shortest group member.

• Avoid areas with rapids, submerged logs, or where channels meet. This is where deep holes often form.

• Watch for undercut bluffs, wrecked fences, or steep banks where an exit would be impossible.

• Stay clear of cloudy or dirty water that could hide boulders or snags.

• In glacial or pumice rivers, steer clear of sandy, silty sections as these can collapse under your feet.

Once you’ve planned well, sized up the river, and picked the right spot, it all comes down to how you actually cross. Whether you’re on your own or moving as a group, these tried-and-true methods will help you stay upright and get across in one piece.

General Guidelines

A few golden rules apply whether you’re on your own or in a group:

• Keep your boots on for grip and protection (or use secure sandals or hut shoes)

• Stow rain jackets or baggy clothing to reduce drag.

• Unclip your chest strap and loosen your hip belt so you can ditch your pack quickly, but keep it snug enough for balance.

• Clip your PLB or comms device to your body, not your pack.

• Stay side-on to the current. This reduces resistance and helps you stay balanced.

• Keep your feet wide apart for stability.

• Take small, shuffling steps, keeping at least one foot planted firmly at all times.

• Move diagonally downstream, keeping your eyes fixed on the exit point you’ve chosen.

Solo River Crossing

Crossing alone is riskier, so only attempt it if you’re confident, the water is slow and shallow, and you’ve got the right gear. The safest way is with a sturdy hiking pole or stick about 2 metres long – something solid that acts like a third leg. A strong branch will do, or a good trekking pole at full extension.

1. Hold the pole in both hands, slightly upstream at a 45° angle in front of you.

2. Plant it firmly on the riverbed before each step, making sure it won’t slip.

3. Shuffle one foot forward at a time, keeping low and steady.

4. Once stable, move the pole forward again and repeat until across.

5. If you need to back out, reverse your grip on the pole and turn slowly before retracing your steps.

Extra tips:

• Test your pole on dry land before you use it.

• Remove baskets from trekking poles—they catch the current.

• If your poles are lightweight, hold two together for more strength.

• If you don’t have a decent pole, or you’re not confident—don’t cross. Wait for someone else or choose another route.

Group Crossing (Mutual Support Method)

Crossing with others is much safer, as you’ve got stability and strength in numbers. The mutual support method is the standard approach.

1. Position the group: Strongest person goes upstream to break the flow, with less confident members in the middle. If you’ve got a large group, put another strong person on the downstream end as backup.

2. Lock in: Stand shoulder-to-shoulder, each person slipping an arm between the pack and back of the person next to them. Grip their hip belt or clothing firmly.

3. Agree signals: You often won’t hear each other over the roar of the water, so decide on hand signals or taps for “stop,” “go,” or “retreat.” Practise on dry land first.

4. Move as one: The upstream person sets the pace, shuffling slowly. If anyone stumbles, the group stops until they regain footing.

5. Exit together: Keep formation until everyone’s clear of the water.

Retreating Safely as a Group

Sometimes you’ll start a crossing and realise halfway it’s not safe. Retreating isn’t easy, but there are two ways:

• Back out together: Shuffle slowly back the way you came, staying in formation.

• Caterpillar turn: The upstream leader starts turning while the downstream anchor holds firm. Each member turns one by one until the group faces back towards shore, then retreats as a unit.

Respect the River

Rivers are part of the adventure in New Zealand’s backcountry, but they demand respect. With the right planning, a clear head, and sound technique, you can cross safely and carry on with your trip. Just remember – no hut, no hunting block, no shortcut is worth gambling your life on. If in doubt, stay out. Make the smart call, and the rivers will still be there tomorrow, waiting for you to cross them on your terms.