Baton River

The Baton is a small tributary of the Motueka. It rises near the Baton Saddle in the Arthur Range and runs about 25 km east and then northeast to join the Motueka about 2 km south of Woodstock. It flows over a bed of stones and gravel, with bankside cover that suits trout, and it stays clear through most of the season. For its size it holds good wild brown trout, averaging about 1.4 kg (3 lb), and many are bigger. It is quiet water, and the small headwater streams that feed it hold some impressive fish too.

This is a stalking river. Stealth, accurate casting and light gear make the difference, because the fish are easy to spook in clear, small water. Nymph with a Hare and Copper, a Pheasant Tail or a Theo's Bomber in size 14 and smaller. For dries, carry a Greenwell's Glory, a Kakahi Queen and a Parachute Adams, with beetles and cicadas in summer. In the evening, swing a wet fly such as a Greenwell's Glory, a Twilight Beauty, an Invicta or a Purple and Grouse. The middle reaches are the easiest fishing, and the lower river near the Motueka is harder. The Baton Flats gauge reads the river. As a rough guide it is easy to wade at about 1.5 to 7 m³/s, and over about 15 m³/s it is high and coloured.

Baton Valley Road follows the river for many kilometres, so the lower middle reaches are easy to reach. Near the Motueka confluence, and in the upper reaches where the river leaves the road for long stretches, you need the landowner's permission, and landowners usually give it. Past the road end, a tramping track with unbridged stream crossings follows the river into Kahurangi National Park to Flanagans Hut, an 8-bunk hut. The upper Baton on conservation land is protected for its wild and scenic character under the Motueka Water Conservation Order. Tapawera is about 10 minutes away and Motueka about 20, which makes the Baton an easy half day from the Motueka when the main river is busy.