Packraft Wanaka: Paddle Mountain Rivers on the Ultimate New Zealand Adventure
5.0
47 Ratings
Wānaka
Experience the ultimate adventure in Wanaka, New Zealand with Packraft Wanaka. Paddle down breathtaking mountain rivers on our inflatable packrafts and explore the stunning landscape.
Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Wanaka River Journeys - For the experience of a lifetime join Wanaka River Journeys on a Packraft adventure, deep into the mountains of middle earth: Matukituki Valley.

Packrafts are perfect for those who want a real wilderness experience away from the crowds. On-board these small, fun & stable rafts, follow the rivers’ flow way, ride the wave trains, and paddle into calm pools to surround yourself in nature in an area so breathtaking you won’t want to leave. This is the perfect mix of fun, excitement and adventure in the most beautiful landscape there is.

What's Included
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Picnic lunch and assorted snacks
  • All necessary packrafting gear provided
  • Professional photos of your adventure
  • Convenient courtesy shuttle service
What's Not Included
  • Must be able to swim
  • Bottled water
  • Sports shoes
Additional Information

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey, maneuvering through one of New Zealand’s breathtaking mountain rivers on our enjoyable and resilient packrafts. Your thrilling day commences with a picturesque shuttle ride beneath the jaw-dropping views of mountains, glaciers and waterfalls that dot the Matukituki Valley. We pause briefly at a vantage point overlooking the Avalanche Glacier, where your guide will enthrall you with stories of how these ice titans sculpted this unique topography and take a short stroll to a charming valley waterfall. After refueling, it’s time to gear up, attend a safety briefing and receive paddle instructions before setting off down the river on our sturdy packrafts. Surf the waves, steer into serene eddies and drift with the river’s current. Break for a riverside picnic lunch and dip into the vivid blue swimming holes as you paddle downstream. By the end of the day, you’ll have mastered the art of paddling. This trip truly embodies a perfect blend of fun, exhilaration and adventure amidst the most magnificent setting.

  • All children (4-14yrs) must be accompanied by an adult over 18
  • Clients Must be able to swim
  • Please supply weight, height, shoe size, dietary requirements and level of water confidence (high/med/low)
  • Clients must read our Terms, Conditions & Risk Disclosure prior to booking (Please go to our website www.wanakariverjourneys.co.nz and click on the link at the bottom of the home page)
  • Please talk to us if you are over 130kg to ensure we have the right size gear for you
Location
99 Ardmore Street
Ardmore Street
Outside of the Wanaka i-SITE (information centre) 8:30am
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(47 Ratings)
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Andywd5397ea
Feb 21, 2024
Great day out from wanaka - Amazing day, the team are brilliant and knowledgeable and great hosts. We loved it. No experience required just be ready for a good laugh.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless10354644776
Jan 21, 2024
Family friendly fun! - As far as family experiences go in the NZ outdoors this was as good as it gets. The river is pristine and the views were fantastic. The crew were experienced, helpful and friendly. They accommodated the needs of our kids and engaged with them throughout the trip. If you’re looking for a family friendly adventure I’d highly recommend adding this to your itinerary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
906steph
Jan 10, 2024
Brilliant way to experience the majestic beauty of the mountains and rivers of Wanaka - This experience is a truly brilliant way to immerse yourself in the incredible natural beauty of the mountains and glacial rivers of the Mt Aspiring/ Wanaka area. Floating down the Matukituki River on a Packraft mixes both the serenity of gentle floating with the fun of a few rapids to keep those looking for a little action happy. Our local guides were fantastic - extremely knowledgeable, very experienced paddlers who kept everyone safe and well fed. Wetsuits and booties provided to keep you warm. This was a beautiful day out and throughly enjoyed by all of us. Wanaka River Journeys really looked after us. Also don’t miss the strawberry ice creams sold from a small van set up in a paddock on the side of the river at the end of the paddle. ( just remember to take cash!:)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Duncan
Jan 6, 2024
Great way to spend a day near Wanaka! - Great experience. Felt very safe and organized and all the equipment seemed new. Wonderful scenery and a really fun activity. Ice cream stop on the way home was a bonus. Cute puppy mascot tagged along.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kiwishelly44
Dec 28, 2023
An experience to remember - This was such an amazing trip… Incredible scenery, fun rafting, beautiful lunch on the side of the river and awesome guides! I would highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Climber63425481021
Dec 26, 2023
Awesome day out on the river! - What an awesome way to experience the beauty and grandeur of the river and surrounding mountains. Ruth and her team did a great job - so organised, knowledgeable and friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannahfb4167fe
Nov 23, 2023
A fantastic day out with a great company - Fantastic day out. The scenery is just amazing.. river so blue and clear. Brent and Sue were great hosts. Very kind and shared a lot of information on the natural history of the area during the drive and paddle. The pack rafts are awesome. Very light to carry, but super strong. They track well in the water and were easy to manoeuvre. We had a gourmet sandwich and snacks on the grassy Riverbank. Brent gave us some useful paddling tips which was great. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hanneb781
Oct 31, 2023
An amazing river journey! - Fab day out with very knowledgeable guides! Pack rafting surrounded by the beautiful surrounding Mount Aspiring National Park was such a amazing experience. Really recommend it as a day out if you are visiting Wanaka or want to have a day in nature learning a new skill!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fromontariosoc
Apr 17, 2023
Absolutely Stunning! - Our family had a great day packrafting with Brent along the river! The mountain scenery was breathtaking, and all that Brent shared about the area was a huge added bonus. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the paddling and the rapids and now have a taste for more as we continue our travels through NZ. Huge thanks to Sue for helping get our day organized! Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamiemo4258qc
Feb 18, 2023
Highly Recommended! - This was fantastic! Thanks to Brent and Steve for a great day out. Packed lunch was A++ to go along with the beautiful scenery and fun of our first time pack rafting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor