A great rain or snowmelt run, suitable for mixed groups of intermediate level paddlers
Author: PackraftingTrips.NZ
Moonlight Creek (I/II/III/IV)
Something for everyone on this small west coast creek. An amazing day trip near Greymouth
Wanganui River (III/IV) below Hunters Hut
Another overnighter on a wild west coast valley and river. Rough tracks, a great hut and magnificent scenery that backs on to the Adams Wilderness Area.
Ohau Gorge (II/III)
Short day trip to a scenic gorge. Near Levin in the Tararua Ranges
Cromel Stream (II/III)
Long day or overnighter: good approach routes to a fun grade III gorge and grade II lower section.
Northern Southland.
Lower Kokatahi (II+/III) optional IV
Half day trip for strong intermediate paddlers, with an option to check out a bedrock gorge.
Polnoon Burn (IV) or (III with portages)
Steep creeking in the Shotover River headwaters. 2-3 days, Otago.
Wairaurahiri River (II+)
2-5 day options | Fiordland
A classic moderate packrafting trip.
The Lochy River (IV & Portages)
Overnight out and return trip for advanced paddlers. In Otago, near Lake Wakatipu. Permission required
Young River (III/IV)
A great day trip for strong packrafters, in Mt Aspiring National Park.
Karamea River (V with portages)
6-8 days of remote and very advanced whitewater. Great approach & great huts. West coast, Kahurangi National Park.
Poulter River (I/II) via Casey Saddle
An ‘almost-loop’ trip through Arthurs Pass mountains and braided river valleys. There are a few options for paddling the Poulter, including continuing on down the Waimakariri Gorge. Thanks to Michael Batchelor for the information and photos to make up this trip page. Haydn Deane posted a great video of the Poulter-Waimak Gorge option on vimeo…
Takaka River (II or III) powerhouse to the bridge
This is a roadside run, which is dam controlled and very popular with all paddlers. Access Leave a car (or bikes) at the new road bridge on the Cobb valley road and drive up to the power station. Easiest to get in on the left fork assuming the turbines are all running. View Larger Topographic…
Aorere River (II) Salisbury Falls Gorge
The crystal clear Aorere cuts through the epic rock gorge at Salisbury falls, which is Takaka’s biggest and busiest swimming hole. The gorge itself runs for a few km each side of the tourist area and in low flows is an easy and spectacular trip, suitable for confident beginners. This is a short and sweet…
Anatoki River (IV) below Anatoki Bend
Steep boulder gardens and spectacular gorges in this grade IV packrafting day trip in Kahurangi National Park.
The Ellery, Jackson & Arawhata Loop (I+)
A longish day trip, with a great variety of terrain and non-technical paddling.
South Westland
Kaipo River II/III or up to IV
3-4 days side trip to the Hollyford Pyke, to explore a seldom visited valley.
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Hunter River (II-)
2 days hike, 1-2 days paddle.
Remote and scenic headwaters, in a seldom visited valley | Otago.
Upper Nevis River (I/III)
Roadside grade III in Otago Highcountry, with two day’s worth of paddling, hiking and biking on offer.
Needs rain to be runnable.