When you think of New Zealand’s South Island, rugged mountains, glaciers, and lush forests likely come to mind. Now, imagine exploring these stunning landscapes from the vantage point of a lightweight raft, paddling through braided rivers with towering peaks overhead. That’s exactly what the Packraft Wanaka experience offers—a full day of adventure, scenery, and a touch of adrenaline, all for around $249 per person.
Starting from Wanaka, just a short drive into the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park, this tour begins with a walk to a waterfall before guiding you onto the water with a quick lesson on paddling. Over the course of approximately 7 hours 15 minutes, you’ll be riding eddies, navigating gentle rapids, and soaking in some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery New Zealand has to offer.
What we love most? First, the small group size means your guide can give personalized attention, making the experience both safer and more enjoyable. Second, the all-inclusive gear and thoughtful touches like photos and a picnic lunch make this feel well-organized and hassle-free.
A possible consideration? You do need to be comfortable swimming and have a moderate level of physical fitness, as you’ll be in wetsuits and paddling through water for several hours. This trip is best suited for active travelers who enjoy the outdoors and are ready for a bit of a workout. It’s perfect for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in New Zealand’s wilderness.
Key Points
- Authentic Nature Experience: Paddling on the Matukituki River with views of glaciers and beech forests.
- Guided Small Group: Personal attention and expert commentary from guides like Sue and Kayleigh.
- All-Inclusive: Gear, snacks, photos, and a picnic lunch are included, simplifying planning.
- Active Adventure: Suitable for those with moderate fitness and water confidence.
- Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Great for Photographers: Opportunities for stunning river and mountain photos.
Discovering the Wanaka Packraft Experience
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Setting Out from Wanaka
Your day begins bright and early at 99 Ardmore Street in Wanaka. After a quick briefing on the trip details and safety considerations, you’ll hop into a courtesy shuttle that whisks you into the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park. The drive itself is an adventure, with scenic views becoming more dramatic as you near the mountains.
Once there, you’ll stop at Wishbone Falls, a quick 10-minute walk providing a fantastic preview of what’s ahead. This initial walk gives you a chance to stretch your legs and appreciate the lush, mossy forest and cascading water before gearing up for the river. This short walk is a bonus, offering a taste of the area’s natural beauty.
Gear Up and Learn the Ropes
Before hitting the water, your guides will suit you up with wetsuits, spray jackets, booties, and helmets. The inclusion of all necessary gear is a big plus—no need to rent or buy anything extra. The guides, typically friendly and knowledgeable, will give a quick paddling lesson, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before setting off.
What we appreciate here is the emphasis on safety and learning, which makes the experience accessible even for first-timers. As one reviewer noted, the guides provide interesting commentary that enhances the journey without overwhelming.
White-Water and Wilderness
Climbing aboard your lightweight, two-person packraft, you’ll start paddling down the braided river, surrounded by the towering peaks of Mt. Aspiring—a UNESCO World Heritage site. The river’s mix of eddies, wave trains, and gentle rapids provides just enough thrill without feeling intimidating.
During the boat ride, you’ll encounter glaciers, ancient beech forests, and a variety of wildlife, which you might glimpse from your raft or during the walk. The braided riverbed is a distinctive feature of the region, and you’ll paddle through its twists and turns, constantly shifting your course.
Scenic Walks and Wildlife Viewing
The trip includes a few strategic stops, not just for photos but also to take in the scenery. The walk to Wishbone Falls is a highlight, allowing you to admire the landscape from a different perspective. The views of glaciers and mountain peaks are spectacular, especially if you appreciate rugged, alpine scenery.
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Lunch and Rest
Midway through the day, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch packed with local ingredients, perfect for recharging after several hours of paddling. Snacks are also provided, and if you have dietary requirements, it’s advisable to communicate these in advance. We found this thoughtful inclusion simplifies the day and keeps everyone fueled for the adventure.
Return and Reflection
After a few more hours on the water, your guide will lead you back to the starting point. The shuttle ride back offers opportunities to chat about the landscape, wildlife, or the region’s geology, extending the experience beyond just paddling.
Why This Tour Offers Great Value
The $249 price includes not just the paddling but also all gear, snacks, photos, and transportation—elements that can add up if booked separately. The small group size (max 14 travelers) ensures more personalized guidance, which enhances safety and enjoyment.
The inclusion of a full picnic lunch and professional photos means you leave with memories and no fuss. Reviews consistently praise the well-planned nature of the trip, with one noting, “This was a really well planned trip, interesting commentary from the guides, and we got to see some back country that would be difficult to see otherwise.”
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience suits active travelers, outdoor lovers, and anyone eager to experience New Zealand’s wilderness in an up-close, hands-on way. You need to be comfortable swimming and have a moderate fitness level—so it’s not ideal if you prefer relaxed sightseeing. Families with children aged 4–14 are welcome if accompanied by an adult, but children should also be water confident.
Final Thoughts
Packraft Wanaka offers a rare chance to explore New Zealand’s stunning mountainous landscapes from a small, portable vessel. It combines adventure with scenery and a touch of wilderness that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to water sports, the guides’ expertise and the safe, manageable water conditions make it accessible for most active travelers.
The experience’s true strength lies in how it blends adventure, natural beauty, and comfort—all at a fair price for what’s included. The small group setting ensures a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those who want a memorable, authentic outdoor day.
This trip will resonate with those seeking a physically engaging, visually stunning adventure that leaves you with stories and photos to cherish. If you love exploring by small boat and want to see the real wild side of Wanaka’s mountain country, this is a superb choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes, you must be able to swim. The tour requires water confidence for safety and enjoyment.
What is included in the price?
All paddling gear (wetsuits, spray jackets, helmets, booties), snacks, a picnic lunch, photos, and the courtesy shuttle are included.
Is this suitable for children?
Children aged 4–14 can join if accompanied by an adult over 18, but they need to be water confident and comfortable paddling.
How long is the paddling portion?
The core part of the trip lasts about 5 hours, covering paddling and exploring the river and scenery.
What kind of terrain do we see?
You’ll see glaciers, beech forests, and mountain peaks in Mt. Aspiring National Park, along with braided rivers and waterfalls.
How fit do I need to be?
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, as the trip involves paddling and walking.
What should I bring?
Wear appropriate sports shoes, and bring any dietary requirements when booking. The tour provides all necessary gear.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund. The tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or reschedulable.
What if I have specific health concerns or weight restrictions?
Please inform the tour provider of your weight, height, and level of water confidence. Gear sizes are provided for those over 130kg, and you should contact them if you have special needs.
In all, Packraft Wanaka offers an engaging, scenic, and well-organized adventure that’s perfect for active travelers ready to see a different side of New Zealand’s natural beauty—all with the reassurance of experienced guides and inclusive amenities.