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Story: Protected areas

Rafting down the Buller River

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Rafting down the Buller River

Rafters take a thrilling white-water ride down the Buller River, on the West Coast of the South Island. The Buller is one of a number of wild rivers and lakes that have been protected by water conservation orders since legislation was passed in 1981. These orders prevent developments such as hydroelectricity schemes, which alter water levels and flows.

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How to cite this page

Les Molloy, Protected areas – Protected marine areas and inland waters, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/13886/rafting-down-the-buller-river (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Les Molloy, published 2 March 2009, updated 1 September 2015.