The most famous packrafting loop in NZ…
5-6 Days | Fiordland | Stay in DOC Huts
NZ’s biggest database of packrafting trip info
NZ’s biggest database of packrafting trip information: interactive maps, route guides and plenty of images to help you find and plan your next packrafting trip!
Waiau Toa – Clarence River II/III
The Waiau Toa / Clarence is one of the best long river trips in New Zealand, more so because it’s not overly challenging whitewater.
3-7 days of grade II/III paddling, great camping, huts and beautiful scenery
Donate now
Support this site with a recurring monthly donation or one-off payment. We have more than 13,000 individuals who visit the site more than 70,000 times each year. For the price of a coffee a month, your donation can help ensure this site remains open for everyone.
Waihohonu SH1 to Rangipo Road IV (III+ if you portage)
The Waihohonu has been paddled from well above the road, but this short section between roads provides a good flavour of the river. Waihohonu between the SH1 (Desert Rd) is a short and sharp gorge trip through to Rangipo Road . There are two sections that are portages for most paddlers – be well acquainted…
Pukaki River (II)
Scheduled dam release run: a great class II roadside run when the water is flowing (a couple of times a year)
Tekapo Whitewater Course (II/III)
Just behind Tekapo town, is a fantastic artificial whitewater course. Normally dry, the river flows only at scheduled releases (keep an eye on the official Tekapo WW facebook page for timings) Releases are usually timed for a weekend: come camp under the pine trees by the put in and join in the good times! The…
Jerry River (II/IV)
A 4-5 day ‘side trip’ to the Hollyford/Pyke loop, in a remote corner of south westland.
Kaituna Below Smokey Falls (III)
The lower Kaituna gorge is an exciting run in a scenic gorge through jointed ignimbrite which is deeply incised to form a narrow chasm. It is a lower grade than the upstream gorges (none of those are Packraft friendly). This run is pushy and relentless! It is for experienced groups where everyone is capable of…
Waiari Stream IV (III+P)
The Waiari stream is a hidden gem in the Bay of Plenty. It is a must-do run with numerous boofs and crystal clear water. As a bonus it’s a spring fed creek that has a consistent flow year round. It is a typical Taupo Volcanic Zone ignimbrite gorge. The Shuttle Organise access with Kaimai Canoe…
Dobson River (I/II) via Jamieson Saddle to Lake Ohau
3-4 Day through trip.
MacKenzie Basin/Canterbury
Whakapapa below Owhango II+ (IIIp)
The lower Whakapapa is an underarted gem. Overshadowed by the awesomeness of the upstream reach. It is well worth a look. Below Owhango 42 Traverse Bridge there are a few hours of II+ to Kakahi and then a few more hours Class II on the Whanganui down to Pariaka. Shuttle Put-in The Put-in is at…
Tongariro Blue Pools (II+)
Trip Overview Blue Pools is a great Class II introduction to the Tongariro river. It is a roadside run downstream of the Class III Access 10 run. It has a reliable year-round flow of about 16m3 and a number of schedule release days where it is allowed to flow at what would be its normal…
Whangaehu Colliers to Polson (II+/III)
The Whangaehu below Colliers is a pleasant paddle with an unpleasant smell, courtesy of Ruapehu’s Crater Lake. There is something about this seething cauldron that will draw you back. This is if course the fun rapids – this reach has a few decent II+ or even III rapids at each end and lots of Class…
North Branch Ashburton River (II)
A great overnight through trip, with continuous wave trains and fun paddling.
Edwards River (II+/III+)
An adventure with something for just about everyone The lower Edwards River in Arthur’s Pass National Park is a great option for a short but adventurous trip. This trip has a great mix of ‘something for everyone’ with an optional harder upper section, great variety and scenery, and a wilderness feel to it despite all…
Barlow River (V)
Two to three days round trip to a classic hard west coast creek run.
Taieri River (I/III) – The Rock and Pillar Run
1-3 day options, scenic gorges and mostly easy paddling.
South Branch Ashburton River / Hakatere (III/IV)
With good access, continuous whitewater, grade III gorges plus an optional grade IV upper section with a chockstone, this is bound to become an East Coast classic day trip for intermediate to advanced packrafters. “The run feels similar to the classic narrows section on the Upper Waiau. The tight gorge where you float beneath a…
Worsley Stream (II+/IIIp)
Remote side trip to a Lake Te Anau exploration
Ngaruroro Lower Gorge (III+/IV)
Scenic wilderness overnighter, with some challenging paddling. The Ngaruroro Lower Gorge, from Kuripapango to Whanawhana, has a long history as an overnight kayaking run. (See the Riverguide.co.nz kayaking writeup) This 39km section includes a rocky gorge containing more challenging whitewater than in the upper river. The gorge provides just enough excitement for advanced paddlers at…
Grebe River (II/III/IV)
Something for everyone on this scenic and fairly remote roadside run in central Fiordland
Lower Tuke River (III/IV)
A spectacular half to full day side-trip from Mikonui Hut on the West Coast.