This looks like it could be a great site. I loved this posting.
http://nzexpeditions.wordpress.com/wilderness-articles/crossings/
This time last year I hiked about an hour up the Dart River about an hours drive from Queenstown NZ with the intent of finding a few spots to flick a few lures for trout.
Lots of braids in the river and I needed to get to the other side. I found a spot where the water was just above my knees. How hard could that be. Once you get to the middle the pressure on your legs in a fast flowing, rocky bottom river is unbelievable. The advice I had received that you just float on your pack if you get caught up did not re-assure me!!
Anyway in the scheme of things it was no big deal. That first experience will help next time.
I love NZ.
Rick