The Ahuriri River is located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, flowing through the Mackenzie Basin and Lake Benmore. Its source lies in the Southern Alps at an elevation of 1,600 metres, while its mouth extends approximately 70 kilometres downstream where it empties into Ahuriri Arm and begins its journey towards the Pacific Ocean via the Waitaki River.

The Ahuriri Valley is absolutely worth exploring even if its just to go for a drive and admire the incredible Southern Alps in a less popular part of New Zealand. A lot of people don't know about the Ahuriri and honestly I think it's one of the most beautiful places in the South Island.

The road is not sealed but it isn't too bad, so I would suggest a 4wd but it's not essential. Look out for photo opportunities of the mountains reflecting in the river and also lining up with the road. At some point you will need to turn around and come back out the same way you came in as the road is a dead end.