Clarence has several surf breaks near the river mouth. Due to their difficulty, they are recommended for advanced to expert surfers.[1]
River rafting
River rafting trips on the Waiau Toa / Clarence River have been run commercially since 1998.[2]
2016 Kaikōura earthquake
Clarence and the surrounding area was significantly affected by the M7.8 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and cut off for some months from the rest of the South Island. The area was briefly evacuated following a slip upstream on the Waiau Toa / Clarence which caused a build up of water, threatening flash flooding in the town.[3][4][5]