3-4 Day through trip.
MacKenzie Basin/Canterbury
Author: PackraftingTrips.NZ
Gorge River (III/IV)
7 day loop in South Westland
Gorgeous gorges, up to IV
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…
Fox River (II)
Day or overnight out and return, through spectacular limestone canyons, with mellow paddling.
Paparoa National Park, Westland
Shotover River, upstream of Arthurs Point II+ to IV (P)
A classic Otago run, with options for road, foot and heli access, and trips from 1 to 5 days in length.
Tairua River (II) Broken Hills run: SH25A to Hikuai
Car to car day trip
Kauri forests & farmland
Coromandel Ranges
Arahura River (sections from V to II)
One of the most sought after and enjoyed runs in New Zealand: high quality, high difficulty paddling, Near Lake Kaniere, on the West Coast.
Thomas River (III & IV/V P) via Mataketake tops
Haast area, West Coast
3 day through trip with good huts, tops, bush bashing and challenging paddling.
Cape Brett and the Bay of Islands
Northland. Sea paddling. 2-4 days.
Using a packraft to explore the coast around these classic Bay of Islands destinations
Okarito River (II/III)
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.
Windley River (III)
A classic packrafting trip; an excellent approach over the tops, followed by clean, challenging paddling through bedrock gorges.
Alfred Stream (II)
Short and scenic, with easy access and option to make it into an overnight trip with a stay at Lake Daniell.
Dingle Burn (III+)
2 day through trip with a crux gorge in the middle.
Long car shuttle, and tricky to get the right flow.
Greenstone River (III+/IV)
Epic scenery, challenging whitewater and huge potential for creative approaches: a long day trip, an overnighter or as part of a larger mission.
Catlins River (III) middle section
Rain run in a forested valley, with small waterfalls over papa shelfs.
4hrs walk about 3-4hrs paddle.
Whakatane River (II)
As members of our packrafting community will be aware of, and appreciate, that Te Urewera is currently in a period of change. Ruatahuna and Ruatoki hapu are keen to host manuhiri, but have asked for the information on the Whakatane River trip to not be in such a public place for the time being while…
Lower Nile (I+)
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…
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Eglinton River (I/II) along SH94
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 the highway. Below…
Lower Taieri River, Lee Stream to Outram (I/II)
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…