The Clarence River which flows through the Kaikōura Ranges is a popular location for canoeists and rafters. File pic Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A man who was killed during a rafting accident through the Kaikōura ranges at the weekend was celebrating his wedding anniversary at the time.
Father-of-two Mark Dillon, 36, died when rafting along the Waiau Toa / Clarence River on Saturday.
The river which flows through the Kaikōura Ranges is a popular location for canoeists and rafters.
At around 209 kilometres long, it is the longest river in Canterbury and the eighth longest in New Zealand.
Both police and WorkSafe are investigating the circumstances surrounding Dillon's death.
A Givealittlepage has been set up for the man's family with nearly $39,000 donated since Tuesday.
The page states Dillon died after trying to help free a raft that had become stuck.
"The Dillon family were part of a group on a rafting adventure celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary.
"His wife Abbey and daughters Maddi (12) and Lou (11) are now faced with a future without their rock of a husband and father."
In a post on its Facebook page, the Packrafting Association of New Zealand (PRANZ) said Dillon was not a member of the packrafting community nor were packrafts involved in the tragedy.
"We understand Mark died trying to unpin a raft at the Chute rapid.
"This tragic event reminds us of the dangers of the river environments that we love and play in.
"Take care out there especially when things aren't going to plan, scout often, paddle within your abilities and respect the power of the awa."
