Waimakariri River (I-II) Carrington Hut to Klondyke Corner

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…

Nina River (II/III) from Nina Hut to State Highway 6

Canterbury, 2 Day, Out and back.

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…

Matukituki River East Branch (II/III-) from Junction Flat to Cameron Flat

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…

Murchison River (II/III+) and Tasman Lake via Onslow Hut

Canterbury, 2 Day, Out and back.

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

Otago, 2 Day, Out and back.

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

Hawkes Bay, 2 Day, 3 Day, 4 Day, 5 Day, Loop trip, Through trip.

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…

Wilkin River (I+) from Kerin Forks Hut

Otago, 2 Day, Out and back.

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)….

Dart River (I/II) from Daley’s Flat Hut

Otago, 2 Day, Be aware of Jetboats, Out and back.

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…