March 2024

Finding Joe – A Kayak Adventure into the Heart of Fiordland

Announcing The North Face Adventure Grant recipients for 2024: Mike Dawson, George Snook & River Mutton. This kayaking trio from Okere Falls, New Zealand, will set off to cover 140km of remote wilderness to complete the first descent of the Joe River.

Words by Mike Dawson

The Joe River is often talked about in a mysterious way. It’s at the headwaters of the historic gateway to the West Coast and yet it is untouched. This expedition is attempting to reach the headwaters of the Joe River, located in the shadow of the Olivine Ice Plateau deep in the inaccessible wilderness area.

From there the team will attempt to successfully navigate the river from the summit to the sea. A 140km journey through New Zealand’s brutal, remote and rugged terrain hidden along the Olivine range.

The team will encounter everything from class 5 whitewater to serious mountain passes that even experienced climbers turn away from. Before even reaching the river, a multiday hiking and climbing route must be passed laden with kayaks and gear.

Beginning at the Dart River the team will walk upstream before climbing the untracked route to Oleary’s Pass. With kayaks, this will be no easy task. Passing through snow, cliffs, and serious, exposed terrain.

Once at the Joe River the challenge begins. Serious whitewater awaits hidden in the deep amongst the spectacular gorges. Three infamous gorges must be descended over three days.

This expedition is about connecting two generations of kayaking. Expedition specialist & Olympian Mike Dawson will team up with two young adventurers, George Snook & River Mutton, showing them the ropes on their first backcountry multi-day expedition.

The Numbers

140km of remote travel including:

• 52km kayak portage
• +2000m alpine approach
• 40km whitewater kayaking
• 50km exit

The Kayakers

George Snook

• 2^nd place World Championship
• Olympic hopeful
• 19 years old from Okere Falls, New Zealand

River Mutton

• 2^nd place Extreme Kayak Championships
• 20 years old from Okere Falls, New Zealand

Mike Dawson

• 2x Olympian
• Expedition leader
• 35 years old from Okere Falls, New Zealand

The team will set out for their expedition in late March.

For updates on this expedition, and to find out when applications for The North Face Adventure Grant 2025 will open, follow along on Instagram.