The upper section needs a bit of rain to be worth a trip, but it’s a beautiful valley and a very mellow paddle. Depending on your enthusiasm, time and objectives, you could visit the Ahuriri for a day trip, a short shuttle run, or a long float all the way to Omarama. View Larger Topographic…
Author: PackraftingTrips.NZ
Mararoa River (II-III) from South Mavora Lake to Kiwi Burn swingbridge
A well known Southland kayaking run, with options to hike the shuttle, paddle the lakes or go all the way to the sea if you’re keen! Thanks to Gerard Hill and Andy Magness for the information. View Larger Topographic Map Mavora Lakes Walkway: Kiwi Burn swingbridge to South Mavora Lake Although a mountain bike or…
Waimakariri River (I-II) Carrington Hut to Klondyke Corner
Classic Canterbury braided river, with some nice huts and options for tramping side trips. Easily done as a day trip, you could spend many days exploring the upper catchment before floating back down to your car. View Larger Topographic Map Waimakariri Valley: Carrington Hut Route The Waimakariri Valley is a major route featuring in a…
Lower Motatapu River (I) – Matukituki River (I) loop
UPSTREAM STRAINER HAZARD As of 20 Dec 2021, there are at least 4 river wide strainers upstream of this section.. Downstream there are more than a few strainer hazards: In high flows, it would be difficult to avoid some of these, so be warned and avoid this unless you’ve been down recently at normal flow….
Nina River (I-III) from Nina Hut to State Highway 6
A beautiful walk in through a densely forested valley with scattered grassy clearings and high open tussock ridges, backed by rocky summits. To top it off, the river is visually stunning, an easy class I-II with an exciting class III section through a small gorge. This trip page is adapted with permission from a trip…
Rees River (I) from 25 Mile Creek to Muddy Creek
A simple, short day trip to a beautiful valley. Great trip for beginning packrafters, even after rain. View Larger Topographic Map Rees Valley Track Most 2WD vehicles with a bit of clearance can get up the Rees Valley Road, though there are a few stream fords which might be problematic for some vehicles. A good…
Matukituki River East Branch (II/III-) from Junction Flat to Cameron Flat
A classic day trip, with straightforward access, amazing views and just enough rapids to keep intermediate packrafters entertained but not terrified. Can be run even at summer flows, but a bit of rain brings out the best in it. Thanks to Dan Clearwater for the images and words. View Larger Topographic Map Planning Jetboats: Be…
Eglinton River West Branch – upper section: Cascade Creek to Mistake Creek (II/III)
Great roadside run in Fiordland, but watch for strainers! Solid grade III skills needed.
Murchison River (II/III+) and Tasman Lake via Onslow Hut
An off-trail adventure up the seldom visited Murchison Valley, among NZ’s highest peaks and glacial valleys. This trip involves considerable route finding skill, especially amongst the moraine features of the valley. As the Glaciers continue to recede, this trip may become more difficult, or even impossible. This trip is suitable for parties with experience around…
Hopkins River (I-II) from Dodger Hut to Ram Hill 2WD carpark
A large beautiful valley with a plethora of huts. Lots of tramping, climbing and hunting opportunities. The packrafting is generally very easy in normal flows, down a wide braided river. Very easy access, you can even get a 4wd up the valley! Good beginners trip. This trip page is intended for inspiration only, and is…
Ngaruroro River (II+/III) Boyd Hut to Kuripapango
The Ngaruroro is one of the great wild rivers in the north island, suitable for long, relatively easy packraft trips through fantastic scenery. There are countless options for making this trip long or short, with a helicopter or fixed wing flight to the start, a car shuttle and a through trip or even doing loop…
Makarora River (II) Cameron Flat to Bridge Flat
Most of the Makarora is a wide braided river, which gets quite bony in the upper reaches in normal flows. The main road runs close by for much of its length, so you could start higher (Davis Flat) or even do the short hike to the swingbridge by the Makarora Gorge for a slightly more…
Wilkin River (I+) from Kerin Forks Hut
A mellow out and back trip to a neat hut, with options for side trips or as a starting point for bigger adventures. There’s some good fishing up around the Hut. There’s a little bit of class II further up the Wilkin Valley, but it quickly gets very steep with huge boulder gardens (class IV-V)….
Hawea River (II)
The Hawea is a hydro dam controlled river. In its usual state of 10 cumecs, it’s a very simple class II run, close to town. When the dam releases, the play wave in the middle is rated at class III and will be full with all the local kayakers! View Larger Topographic Map The Hawea…
West Matukituki River (II/IV) above Raspberry Creek
Out and back trip with a chill middle section and challenging upper/lower sections for the keen ones.
Copland River (III/-IV) from Architect Creek Hut
Classic west coast packrafting, with the option of a side trip to the hot pools.
Dart River (I/II) from Daley’s Flat Hut
A great overnight trip, to explore a newly formed lake. Some fun, easy paddling in a gorgeous valley. View Larger Topographic Map Jetboats Be aware that Dart River Safaris commercial Jetboats can travel as far as Slip Stream. Read the Jetboat courtesy code, and give them a call before you head out! The Dart Track Currently…