The Clarence River, where the rafting incident occurred yesterday afternoon. Photo / Stephen Russell
A person has died following a rafting incident on the Clarence River, which runs through the Kaikōura Ranges in the South Island.
Police said the incident occurred yesterday afternoon.
The person is understood to have been rafting and passed away at the scene.
Police have extended condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
WorkSafe has been notified of the incident and police are making inquiries on behalf of the coroner.
The manager of Clarence River Rafting, Ben Judge, said news of the death was very sad, saying the incident had nothing to do with his company or any of the other three operators who have concessions on the river.
“It would look like it was not a commercial raft trip, it was a private raft trip,” Judge said.
“I can’t 100 per cent confirm that but I can absolutely, 100 per cent confirm it wasn’t Clarence River Rafting,” said Judge, who said he had been in communication with the other companies who confirmed the incident did not occur on one of their river trips.
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