Whakapapa (III/IV)

This is a packrafting overnight run that starts on the lower slopes of Ruapehu and bounces its way down to join the Whanganui below Owhango. Most of the flow off Ruapehu is diverted to the Tongariro Power Scheme so it’s best after heavy rain but grade is heavily flow dependant. The Whakapapa is renowned with…

Mokihinui (III+/IV)

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.

Aorere (III/IV) Shakespeare Flat To Brown Hut

A classic day trip off the Heaphy Track for intermediate to advanced packrafters: fun and challenging paddling with a scenic backdrop and wonderful wilderness feel. But be wary: the Aorere is notorious for how much it rises with rain. Not too surprising when you consider it has a 573km catchment, and headwaters very near the…

Waiau Toa – Clarence River II/III

From Hugh Canard’s Guide to the Clarence/Waiau-Toa – Updated Jan 2022 This is one of the few long rivers of the narrow mountainous islands of New Zealand.   It offers fabulous scenery, edible wildlife, and no highways or bridges, and a near-wilderness experience.  It has amazing geology and is a living laboratory of the influence of…

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…

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.

Broken River (II/III) with portages

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…

Paringa River (II/III+)

Overnight out and return with route finding and a great hut. Put in where it suits your skills and the flows.
South Westland

Motu (III+/ IV)

This wild and remote epic through East Cape country is one of the top multi-day Packrafting trips in the North Island. It flows through spectacular dense forest and gorgy scenery. It is a popular rafting trip particularly with hunters who also utilise jet boats for access. The Motu River is the premier whitewater wilderness trip in…

Middle Hurunui River: Maori Gully (III)

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)…