The series consists of Four kayak races on the Lower Waimakariri River in Canterbury.

The first two races start at Bailes Island Picnic Area. The second two races the start location will depend on the current river flow. It will either be The Willows or Miners Bank. Race One and Two concludes by paddling up the Kaiapoi River to the finish line under the second Bridge in the town centre. Races Three and Four the finish line will either be Bailes Island or the SH1 Road Bridge.

The series consists of four kayak races down from Woodstock on the Waimakariri River in Canterbury in the months September through to January.

Race One & Two: The section of river used is the final section of the famous Coast to Coast kayak leg. The races start at Woodstock Downs and finish at the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge. The section is approximately 14km.

Race Three & Four: The races start at Woodstock Downs but continues down past the Gorge Bridge to finish a further 14km downstream at Pitts Road. The full section is approximately 28km.

The Waimakariri River Race is run on an iconic section of the Waimakariri River in Canterbury, New Zealand. This race follows the same course as the legendary Kathmandu Coast to Coast kayak stage. It is 70kms of kayaking down the Waimakariri River from Mt White Bridge in Arthurs Pass to the Gorge Bridge in Sheffield.

This race gives competitors the opportunity to gain valuable racing experience and crucial river time on the Waimakariri River. This race will see competitors paddle through the famous Rock Gardens early on in the race before navigating the rapids and bluffs in the breathtakingly beautiful Waimakariri Gorge. Competitors then arrive at Woodstock for the final push home. It is an absolute MUST DO event for anyone racing in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.