The lower Whakapapa is an underarted 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…
Tag: Class III
Whangaehu Colliers to Polson (II+/III)
The Whangaehu below Colliers is a pleasant paddle with an unpleasant smell, courtesy of Ruapehu’s Crater Lake. There is something about this seething cauldron that will draw you back. This is if course the fun rapids – this reach has a few decent II+ or even III rapids at each end and lots of Class…
Edwards River (II+/III+)
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…
South Branch Ashburton River / Hakatere (III/IV)
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…
Worsley Stream (II+/IIIp)
Remote side trip to a Lake Te Anau exploration
Grebe River (II/III/IV)
Something for everyone on this scenic and fairly remote roadside run in central Fiordland
Lower Tuke River (III/IV)
A spectacular half to full day side-trip from Mikonui Hut on the West Coast.
Awatere River (II/II+ & III)
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….
Lower Styx River (II+/III)
Gets harder as you walk in so start where you like! Something for everyone in a scenic valley.
Cascade River (II/III)
Challenging approaches to Intermediate paddling on a remote an scenic Westland River
Aorere (III/IV) Shakespeare Flat To Brown Hut
A gorgeous day trip for advanced packrafters, in Kahurangi National Park, Golden Bay
Hawdon River (II/III)
A great rain or snowmelt run, suitable for mixed groups of intermediate level paddlers
Moonlight Creek (I/II/III/IV)
Something for everyone on this small west coast creek. An amazing day trip near Greymouth
Wanganui River (III/IV) below Hunters Hut
Another overnighter on a wild west coast valley and river. Rough tracks, a great hut and magnificent scenery that backs on to the Adams Wilderness Area.
Ohau Gorge (II/III)
Short day trip to a scenic gorge. Near Levin in the Tararua Ranges
Cromel Stream (II/III)
Long day or overnighter: good approach routes to a fun grade III gorge and grade II lower section.
Northern Southland.
Lower Kokatahi (II+/III) optional IV
Half day trip for strong intermediate paddlers, with an option to check out a bedrock gorge.
Polnoon Burn (IV) or (III with portages)
Steep creeking in the Shotover River headwaters. 2-3 days, Otago.
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.