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Hawkes Bay, 1 Day, Through trip.
Tataraakina Bridge to Mohaka Confluence & Bridgets Clearing Overview The Waipunga River is a short, scenic tributary of the Mohaka River, accessed off the Napier–Taupō Road (SH5). This trip offers a mix of mellow floating and full-on technical paddling through a dramatic greywacke gorge, making it a great half-day adventure for intermediate packrafters. Seek recent…
Southland, 1 Day, Out and back.
Short, steep and needs a bit of rain (but not too much!) A half day from SH94
Canterbury, 1 Day, Roadside.
A classic run, great for packrafts at low flows From its catchment in the Lees Valley, the Ashley River / Rakahuri cuts a wandering meander through the Canterbury foothills. Rakahuri means “entangled and turning” in Te Reo Māori – and that’s exactly what it does. For a very long time, The Ashley has been paddled…
Otago, 1 Day, 2 Day, Roadside.
Fickle flows and lots of willows The Lindis River is hidden in plain sight close to SH8, and drains the desert-like high country around the Lindis Pass. Too low to paddle most of the time, just after rain, the Lindis provides a delightful car-to-car day trip or an overnight paddle. The river snakes through farmland,…
Waikato, 1 Day, Car to car, Through trip.
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…
Canterbury, 1 Day, Roadside.
Scheduled dam release run: a great class II roadside run when the water is flowing (a couple of times a year)
Canterbury, 1 Day, Roadside.
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…
Bay of Plenty, 1 Day, Car to car, Through trip.
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…
Bay of Plenty, 1 Day, Through trip.
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 approach crosses private land, and there…
Manawatu-Wanganui, 1 Day, Roadside, Through trip.
The lower Whakapapa is an underrated 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…
Waikato, 1 Day, Car to car.
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…
Canterbury, 1 Day, Out and back.
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…
Otago, 1 Day, 2 Day, Roadside, Through trip.
1-3 day options, scenic gorges and mostly easy paddling.
Canterbury, 1 Day, Out and back.
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…
Southland, 1 Day, Roadside, Through trip.
Something for everyone on this scenic and fairly remote roadside run in central Fiordland
Marlborough, 1 Day, 2 Day, Roadside.
Running parallel to the mighty Waiau-Toa / Clarence River, the Awatere River gives you some of same classic feel of big views, dry country and moderate whitewater in a smaller package The Awatere drains the western side of the Inland Kaikoura Range and a variety of smaller ranges on the north side of the river….
Canterbury, 1 Day, Out and back.
With a bit of rain, the Cameron has fast, continuous paddling. There are slightly easier (II+) options from a lower start point.
Manawatu-Wanganui, 1 Day, Car to car.
The Whangaehu is a great river with the unique feature of draining the Crater Lake on Mt Ruapehu. It’s not one to take a swim in as the water is acidic! But take some fresh drinking water and enjoy the continuous rapids. There are two sections described on this site: There is something about this…
Otago, 1 Day, Roadside, Through trip.
An couple of hours car to car, through the canyons and gentle rapids of the Shotover. From Arthurs Point, near Queenstown
West Coast, 1 Day, Out and back.
Advanced day-trip, boulder gardens, bedrock gorge and challenging whitewater on the West Coast
West Coast, 1 Day, Out and back.
Gets harder as you walk in so start where you like! Something for everyone in a scenic valley.
West Coast, 1 Day, 2 Day, Loop trip, Out and back, Through trip.
Challenging approaches to Intermediate paddling on a remote an scenic Westland River
Tasman, 1 Day, Out and back, Roadside.
Farm track and bush road access, two stunning gorges and varied whitewater all within a compact and walkable river trip.
Tasman, 1 Day, Loop trip.
A gorgeous day trip for advanced packrafters, in Kahurangi National Park, Golden Bay
Canterbury, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
A great rain or snowmelt run, suitable for mixed groups of intermediate level paddlers
West Coast, 1 Day, Out and back, Roadside.
Something for everyone on this small west coast creek. An amazing day trip near Greymouth
Wellington, 1 Day, Out and back.
Short day trip to a scenic gorge. Near Levin in the Tararua Ranges
Southland, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
Long day or overnighter: good approach routes to a fun grade III gorge and grade II lower section.
Northern Southland.
West Coast, 1 Day, Out and back.
Half day trip for strong intermediate paddlers, with an option to check out a bedrock gorge.
Manawatu-Wanganui, 1 Day, 2 Day, Through trip.
This section of the Whakapapa is renowned with kayakers for its annual releases. Release flows allow a kayak day trip. It is a gem of a packraft trip at much lower flows but is much slower and is best done as an overnighter. There are options to enjoy more good paddling past Owhango, down as…
West Coast, 1 Day, Out and back, Through trip.
The Mokihinui is a brilliant packraft trip. You can walk in from the west, stay a night and paddle out. You can head in from the Buller end by bike or foot on the Old Ghost Road, then hop on the river where your skills dictate.
Otago, 1 Day, Out and back.
A great day trip for strong packrafters, in Mt Aspiring National Park.
Tasman, 1 Day, Roadside.
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…
Tasman, 1 Day, Roadside, Through trip.
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…
Tasman, 1 Day, 2 Day, Loop trip.
Steep boulder gardens and spectacular gorges in this grade IV packrafting day trip in Kahurangi National Park.
West Coast, 1 Day, Loop trip.
A longish day trip, with a great variety of terrain and non-technical paddling.
South Westland
Tasman, 1 Day, Roadside, Through trip.
The Glenroy is a technical, short sharp introduction to Class 4 creeking. It can be packrafted at flows lower than recommended for kayaks. It has lots of rocks and pin /wrap hazards at low flow so be wary. Once you are in the gorge there is only one way out! The put in is the…
West Coast, 1 Day, 2 Day, Through trip.
The Maruia is a very pleasant and scenic float that is mostly Class II. There is a Class III rapid in the middle of the run and there are a few Class II+ depending on flow. It’s an easy run as anything above Class II is easily portaged. You don’t need 2 days to complete…
Otago, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back, Roadside.
Roadside grade III in Otago Highcountry, with two day’s worth of paddling, hiking and biking on offer.
Needs rain to be runnable.
Tasman, 1 Day, Loop trip.
A low-flow daytrip to a steep and beautiful gorge
Golden Bay, Tasman
Southland, 1 Day, Out and back.
Day trip to quality III paddling with two IV drops.
Fiordland National Park
Canterbury, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
Overnighter or day trip, out and back. Needs spring flows or rain.
Lake Pukaki/MacKenzie/Canterbury
Canterbury, 1 Day, 2 Day, 3 Day, Through trip.
Curious geology is the highlight of this run: that and the caves, gorges and fence hazards. Information on the Porter River (II with mandatory portage) is included at the end of this page as it looks like an enticing ‘no walk’ option. However, there are fences, nasty sieves and a mandatory portage. View Larger Topographic…
West Coast, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
Day or overnight out and return, through spectacular limestone canyons, with mellow paddling.
Paparoa National Park, Westland
Otago, 1 Day, 2 Day, 4 Day, 5 Day, Out and back, Roadside, Through trip.
A classic Otago run, with options for road, foot and heli access, and trips from 1 to 5 days in length.
Bay of Plenty, 1 Day, Roadside.
The Rangitaiki is the longest river in the Bay of Plenty. The Aniwhenua is a great beginner trip, or just a cool spot to play around with some good mates. There are quite a few surf waves and eddy lines to practice up your skills on. Many kayak clubs use this as a skills building…
Bay of Plenty, 1 Day, 2 Day, Bikeraft, Through trip.
The Raukokore from Te Kumi Station is a pleasant Grade I-II trip in the East Cape Raukumara Ranges with a wilderness feel. It can be done in a long day or split over two. Description and photos Stu Bilby. View Larger Topographic Map Put in Put in on the Waikura River on Te Kumi Road….
Waikato, 1 Day, Car to car, Roadside.
Car to car day trip
Kauri forests & farmland
Coromandel Ranges
West Coast, 1 Day, 2 Day, 3 Day, Loop trip, Out and back, Roadside.
One of the most sought after and enjoyed runs in New Zealand: high quality, high difficulty paddling, Near Lake Kaniere, on the West Coast.
Waikato, 1 Day, Hot pools, Out and back.
Hot Waterfall, Akatarewa Stream, Lake Ohakuri, Waikato River,(I)Overview A fabulous beginner grade one packrafting trip on Lake Ohakuri (created by the damming of the Waikato River). With the excitement of wading up a hot water stream to bathe under a hot waterfall, or soak in hotwater rockpools. Getting there On Te Kopia Road, 200 m…
Canterbury, 1 Day, Car to car, Roadside.
Hurunui River overview The Hurunui is the most important River in Canterbury for paddlers. It has navigable flows all year round and offers a good variety of whitewater runs. From Lake Sumner down, there are a variety of runs, catering for all types of paddlers. Upper Hurunui (described as one run) Lake to Sisters (I/II)…
Canterbury, 1 Day, Car to car.
Hurunui River overview The Hurunui is the most important River in Canterbury for paddlers. It has navigable flows all year round and offers a good variety of whitewater runs. From Lake Sumner down, there are a variety of runs, catering for all types of paddlers. Upper Hurunui (described as one run) Middle Hurunui Lower Hurunui…
Canterbury, 1 Day, Roadside.
Hurunui River overview The Hurunui is the most important River in Canterbury for paddlers. It has navigable flows all year round and offers a good variety of whitewater runs. From Lake Sumner down, there are a variety of runs, catering for all types of paddlers. Upper Hurunui (described as one run) Lake to Sisters (I/II)…
Hawkes Bay, 1 Day, Car to car, Through trip.
Mohaka River (III) “Te Hoe” The Mohaka “Te Hoe” section from Bridget’s Clearing to the bridge just above the Te Hoe River confluence is 19km. Allow about 5 hours on the water, more if you are going to portage the bigger rapids or run laps on them. This run is through a scenic gorge, can…
Hawkes Bay, 1 Day, Car to car, Through trip.
Mohaka River (I/II) “Beginner’s run” A great introduction to packrafting can be had by camping near the Napier Taupo Road (SH5) bridge and running the road-accessible sections nearby. Camping options Mohaka River Farm, is a fantastic place to stay. It has A-frame cabins, a bunk room and lots of campsites. There’s also a small conference…
West Coast, 1 Day, Bikeraft, Car to car, Roadside.
A beautiful and relatively easy West Coast River. Great for a cruisey day’s paddling, between hitting the Arawhata and Waiatoto. 😉 The Jackson would make a great and easy bike raft trip or of course you can hike, hitch (if you’re lucky!) or car to car paddle. It has a great side trip up to…
West Coast, 1 Day, Car to car, Through trip.
West coast.
A car to car trip with a variety of paddling, from lake, to easy river to class III rapids to esturary!
Very scenic paddle.
West Coast, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
Short and scenic, with easy access and option to make it into an overnight trip with a stay at Lake Daniell.
Otago, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
Epic scenery, challenging whitewater and huge potential for creative approaches: a long day trip, an overnighter or as part of a larger mission.
Southland, 1 Day, Car to car, Out and back.
Rain run in a forested valley, with small waterfalls over papa shelfs.
4hrs walk about 3-4hrs paddle.
Southland, 1 Day, 2 Day, Loop trip, Through trip.
This section provides lots of options for trips; half day trips using shuttles or walking, full day paddles, overnight options including paddling on Manapouri itself. Despite being bordered by the Kepler track on the true right and roads on the true left, it has quite a wilderness feel, with lots of options. View Larger Topographic…
Tasman, 1 Day, Roadside.
The Matiri is known as an epic kayak run when it’s in flood. More than any other river in the Murchison area, the Matiri’s character varies with flow. For packrafting, it’s a nice run at lower flows. From the end of the road you can walk several kilometres up the track towards the lake and determine…
Tasman, 1 Day, Roadside.
The Matakitaki is one of the larger Buller tributaries. The “middle run” especially is a popular short kayak run due to it’s proximity to Murchison, quality paddling and roadside access. There’s so many roadside options on the Matakitaki, that you can pick and choose your own adventure. Thanks to Martin Robertson for the original info…
Tasman, 1 Day, Roadside.
The Buller river is one of New Zealand’s mightiest rivers. From it’s source in the Nelson Lakes to the wild West Coast at Westport it’s a spectacular beast. From the Lake it has a lovely short bouldery run across the terminal moraine that retains the Lake. It then becomes a slightly braided river for some…
Tasman, 1 Day, Park and play, Roadside.
This is a delightful run that exits lake Rotoiti for a short placid reach and then takes off through a series of boulder garden rapids amidst beech forest and manuka. The “Source of the Buller” run begins at Lake Rotoiti’s outlet on West Bay Road and continues past the main road bridge on SH63 all…
Otago, 1 Day, Car to car, Out and back.
A short, sweet run with some technical paddling. Easy portages
Marlborough, 1 Day, 2 Day, Roadside.
A real gem of a river that only Blenheim paddlers seem to know about. The Wairau River is the largest river in Marlborough. It drains an area that is in a rain shadow, so it’s best in spring with snow melt. In higher flows the Wairau could be run as one continuous paddle from Hell’s…
Wellington, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back, Through trip.
5hrs to 2 Days
Rain run
Options for through trips or out and back
Wairarapa, North Island
Manawatu-Wanganui, 1 Day, Car to car.
The Whangaehu is a great river with the unique feature of draining the Crater Lake on Mt Ruapehu. It’s not one to take a swim in as the water is acidic! But take some fresh drinking water and enjoy the continuous rapids. There are two sections described on this site: View Larger Topographic Map It’s…
Manawatu-Wanganui, 1 Day, Park and play.
The Mangahao Slalom Course is a short stretch of artificial Class III water that can be run over and over all day. It’s Parkrafting at its best; just park and play. The catch is they only run the powerhouse and spill water into the Mangaore Stream during times of high electricity demand or excess rainfall….
Waikato, 1 Day, Roadside.
Trip Overview Access 13, or the Pillars of Hercules Run, is a very scenic run that can be scratched through at residual flows in a packraft. It is generally only kayaked on scheduled release days. The tracks in and out are tricky. Warning! Above this run is Tree Trunk Gorge (V+) and below it Waikato…
Waikato, 1 Day, Roadside.
Trip Overview Access 10 is one of the premier roadside runs in the North Island. 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 flow of 30m3 or more. Link it up with the upstream Access…
Wellington, 1 Day, Car to car, Roadside.
The Akatarawa River is a great little after work run 40 minutes drive out of Wellington. It has a single named rapid “The Wall” that can be challenging but is easily portaged. It’s a small catchment and accordingly takes some rain to get going. It can be a good default rain run if the Hutt…
West Coast, 1 Day, Out and back.
It’s not everyday you get to raft the Nile! A trip to do when all rivers in the area in high as the Nile need a bit more flow. Another amazing limestone gorge, full bush, running clear, even when high. Nice limestone rock formations. Thanks to Martin Wilson for the info. If you have any…
Otago, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
A stunning paddle with magnificent views of the Humboldt and Ailsa Mountain ranges along with beautiful sections of exquisite South Island crystal clear pools in majestic gorges with beech lined forest. There’s plenty of straightforward paddling, plus a few very serious and completely committing gorges. The gorges are either impassable (due to log jams)…
Tasman, 1 Day, Roadside.
This is a fun roadside run that starts at Maruia Falls and ends 1 km before the confluence with the Buller River. Starting at the falls is exhilarating, but the rapids are generally straightforward. The run only takes a few hours, at just over 10km. View Larger Topographic Map Logistics Take out: Make sure to…
Canterbury, 1 Day, Loop trip.
An easily accessible and short Canterbury float with reliable flows and a big water feel. Beautiful water and views and a great enjoyment-to-energy expenditure ratio. Best during weekdays to avoid large amounts of jet boat traffic. (please take a look at our general advice about Jetboats and packrafts) View Larger Topographic Map Logistics Park just…
Manawatu-Wanganui, 1 Day, Car to car, Through trip.
This is a scenic Class II run in a river that always has enough flow for a paddle. It is a great learners trip with eddies and play waves and an excellent camp ground at the take out. It feels more remote than it is due to the nature of the gorge. It’s best to…
Southland, 1 Day, 2 Day, Car to car.
Delightful roadside paddling There is a long section of easy and scenic packrafting to be enjoyed in this valley, using State Highway 94 to access the river at many points. You can pick and choose which sections you do, as half-day, long day or overnight trips using one of the many car-accessible DOC campgrounds along…
Wellington, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back, Through trip.
Gorgeous gorges, which need a little rain The Tauwharenīkau River flows from Mount Hector in the Taruara ranges to Lake Wairarapa. It drains the area of the Tararua ranges between the Waiohine River and the Hutt River. As the Tauwharenīkau exits the range, it flows through a stunning gorge. It is the smallest of the three…
Southland, 1 Day, Out and back.
This is a scenic trip only 20 minutes from Dunedin, taking in the final part of the Lower Taieri run in the Whitewater New Zealand Guide. The run described here misses the grade III section above Lee Stream, and is a good trip for Dunedinites wanting to practice on some grade II rapids. Could be…
Wellington, 1 Day, Roadside.
Once the Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt) River emerges from the Tararua Ranges, it is a mostly braided, gentle paddle that is suitable for beginners. There are two commonly run sections which run alongside the roads of Upper Hutt. Thanks to Martin Robertson for the information and pictures. View Larger Topographic Map Te Awa Kairangi …
Wellington, 1 Day, Car to car, Loop trip.
A classic run on Wellington’s doorstep The gorge of Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River is a spectacular trip through native forest with a real wilderness feel. It is well known by local paddlers, as it is the closest class III water to Wellington (one hour) and has road access with a short shuttle. Te Awakairangi /…
Canterbury, 1 Day, Roadside.
Hurunui River overview The Hurunui is the most important River in Canterbury for paddlers. It has navigable flows all year round and offers a good variety of whitewater runs. From Lake Sumner down, there are a variety of runs, catering for all types of paddlers. Upper Hurunui (described as one run) Lake to Sisters (I/II)…
Canterbury, 1 Day, Out and back.
A half day explore on a glacially fed lake with an incredible view of NZ’s tallest peak. View Larger Topographic Map Hooker Valley Track The Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular short walks in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and its not hard to see why. On a very easy, gravelled and…
Wellington, 1 Day, 2 Day, Car to car.
As it descends through the Tararua Ranges, the Waiohine River has a number of sections of interest to Packrafters. The Upper Gorge (above Mid Waiohine Hut), Middle Gorge (Mid Waiohine Hut to Totara Flats Hut) and the Lower Gorge (Totara Flats Hut to Gorge Road). The lower Gorge of the Waiohine is a typical scenic…
Otago, 1 Day, Roadside.
A great little roadside run in a beautiful beech lined valley. There’s a few pool drop Class III rapids at the beginning, followed by a fun and bouncy trip on pretty continuous class II. The initial rapids can be easily portaged. Thanks to Huw Miles for the information. Photo credits to Huw Miles www.packraftingqueenstown.com: Julian…
West Coast, 1 Day, 2 Day, Through trip.
A short scenic float through a huge limestone gorge, this could be the last section of a trip on the Inland Packtrack, or a short out and back from Punakaiki. Thanks to Elias Love for the photos and info. View Larger Topographic Map Pororari River Track Its about 1hr up the track to the swingbridge…
West Coast, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
Big water II+ for solid beginners and intermediates. A classic day or overnight trip on the west coast.
West Coast, 1 Day, Out and back.
Something for everyone on the Whataroa The mighty Whataroa is a classic west coast paddling adventure: big flows, spectacular scenery and challenging whitewater, especially in the upper reaches. Progressively getting steeper as you go further from the highway, there are three distinct sections that range from an arduous overnight adventure at the very top end…
Wellington, 1 Day, Roadside.
This is a lovely introductory trip in a scenic gorge with road access to put-in and take-out. Popular with kayakers, rafter and tubers, it’s a great trip, but even though the road isn’t far away, the gorge walls mean that its not easy to escape once you’ve started. Thanks to Martin Robertson and Carol Exton…
West Coast, 1 Day, Through trip.
Unlike the section above Haast-Paringa Cattle Track, the lower Moeraki is a very gentle paddle. This trip involves travel through the river, a lake, a bush bash (or coastal walk at low tide)to a penguin colony, then back to the road via an excellent track. The coastal walk section is very subject to tide and…
West Coast, 1 Day, Through trip.
Fantastic beginner run with a wilderness feel
Tasman, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
An out and back day mission to a challenging river in Kahurangi National Park. Thanks to Aaron Reimer for permission to use his trip report as a basis for this trip page. Aaron thinks there are options to extend the trip upstream (with harder rapids than this section) and downstream (more mellow rapids) of this…
Canterbury, 1 Day, Roadside.
One of a series of ‘teaser’ trip pages inspired by Hugh Canard, prior to the 2017 Boyle Outdoor Centre PRANZ Meetup. Treat the information with healthy scepticism – if you’ve done the run, then please contact us with more info and a few photos to expand this page. View Larger Topographic Map Lewis River (III)…
West Coast, 1 Day, Out and back.
One of a series of ‘teaser’ trip pages for those heading to the 2017 NZ Packrafting Meetup. Thanks to Hugh Canard for the information. I’m hopeful that the Meetup will result in a little more info plus a few photos so we can expand these pages. Featured image is By Michal Klajban (Hikingisgood.com) (Own work)…
Canterbury, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
There are 3 rivers that run parallel on the western side of the Lewis River. The Doubtful River is not the most scenic, or the most exciting, but it does have whio and potential in higher water. Thanks to Colin Kinnison for the information and photos for this trip page. View Larger Topographic Map SH7…
Canterbury, West Coast, 1 Day, Car to car.
One of a series of ‘teaser’ trip pages for those heading to the 2017 NZ Packrafting Meetup. Thanks to Hugh Canard for the information. I’m hopeful that the Meetup will result in a little more info plus a few photos so we can expand these pages. View Larger Topographic Map Boyle River (II+) from Boyle…
Marlborough, 1 Day, 2 Day, Roadside, Through trip.
A classic intermediate overnighter, with decent tracks, huts and gorgeous gorges. There’s heaps of ways to enjoy the Pelorus, from grade I day trips to weekend grade III through trips. With a little imagination, the choice is yours! Thanks to Bryan Moore for the trip updates. Feature image is credit to Dulkara Martig Collection. View…
Southland, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
Needs a fair bit of rain to make this paddleable, but this is Fiordland so you shouldn’t need to wait long… Options of a stay in a Rock Bivvy, or the North Borland Hut could turn this into an overnighter. Thanks to Jesse Friedlander for the information. View Larger Topographic Map Borland Tracks to the…
Canterbury, 1 Day, 2 Day, Loop trip, Out and back.
A beautiful, continuous alpine rain-run The South Temple is normally a small stream, but when there’s enough water, it provides a fast, technical packrafting trip along most of its length. The out-and-return trip style means you can easily choose your trip length, depending on your motivation, flow and paddling ability. This river requires spring melt…
Otago, 1 Day, Out and back.
A relaxed float down one of NZ’s largest rivers, with impressive rocky cliffs and heritage sites on the return journey. We began our day trip from Alexandra, and returned by hiking up the Roxborough Gorge Trail, though there are other ways to incorporate a packraft into a trip in this area. You could hike or…
Otago, 1 Day, Out and back, Roadside.
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…
Southland, 1 Day, Out and back.
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…
Canterbury, 1 Day, 2 Day, Out and back.
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…
Otago, 1 Day, Loop trip.
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….
Otago, 1 Day, Out and back.
A simple, short day trip in a beautiful valley. The Middle flats run is a great trip for beginning packrafters, even after rain. But, there are still hazards to be avoided, and the river still needs to be treated with respect: we’re observing more folks in the valley who don’t seem to have enough basic…
Otago, 1 Day, 2 Day, Be aware of Jetboats, Out and back.
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…
Southland, 1 Day, Roadside.
Great roadside run in Fiordland, but watch for strainers! Solid grade III skills needed.
Otago, 1 Day, Roadside.
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…
Otago, 1 Day, Out and back, Park and play, Roadside.
The Hawea is a marvellous backyard run near Wānaka that you can enjoy in many different ways. With road access at three main points, a hiking/biking track along its length, a park&play wave plus a slalom course, you’re spoilt for choice! Although the river is ‘only grade II’, the banks are lined with strainers. This…
Otago, 1 Day, 2 Day, Be aware of Jetboats, Out and back.
Out and back trip with a chill middle section and challenging upper/lower sections for the keen ones.