Packraft Wanaka
Enjoy an incredible full day experience through the Matukituki River, traveling by boat, walking through the forest, and discovering a unique natural pool where you can cool off before enjoying your lunch in the best picnic style in the middle of the glaciers, and then travel in rafts rowing among the rapids living a unique experience. The meeting point and end of the tour will be at 99 Ardmore Street, outside of Wanaka I-Site.
- Sail through the Matukituki River and below the glaciers.
- Walk to the beautiful natural pool.
- Have fun paddling through the rapids.
AVAILABILITY
December to April
DURATION
Full Day
START LOCATION
99 Ardmore Street, outside of the Wanaka I-Site
END LOCATION
99 Ardmore Street, outside of the Wanaka I-Site
TOUR LANGUAGE
English
Detailed Description
Have fun in a full day adventure with the best combination of activities to enjoy in the mountains of New Zealand. The meeting point with your guide will be at 99 Ardmore Street, outside of Wanaka I-Site. Once you meet your guide you will start a unique adventure by boat, walking and in Packraft, in the mountains of New Zealand.
You will start on the boat through the Matukituki River below the glaciers and Mount Aspiring. You will travel the shallow waters, leaving you to take the curves, giving fresh and exciting turns, traveling to a special and serene place, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and forests.
Then you will walk through the forest to our remote "beach" under a glacier. This beautiful short walk will take you to a quiet natural pool, where you can cool off and get in touch with nature; Here you will inflate rafts and learn to paddle in the rafts, you will have fun in the flow of the river and taking the opportunity to take pictures before lunch.
Before continuing, you will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch while appreciating the views of the glaciers. After lunch you will embark on this pristine glacial sea water, traveling on wave trains and paddling in quiet whirlpools surrounded by nature in a valley so impressive that you will not want to leave. These small, light and stable inflatable boats are perfect for those who want a real fluvial experience in a safe and guided environment. The perfect combination of fun, excitement and adventure in the most beautiful landscape that exists. At the end of this incredible journey you will return to the same place where you started.
Tour Tickets (may vary by date)
| Ticket | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Adults (P/P) | 355.00 (AUD) |
| Children (12 to 14 years old) | 245.00 (AUD) |
Included
- Courtesy shuttle.
- Life jackets, wetsuits.
- Helmets & spray jackets.
- Sunscreen.
- Picnic lunch.
- Snacks.
- Great guides.
Recommended
- Warm change of clothes.
- Swim gear and towel.
- Socks for inside supplied booties.
- Water bottle (not glass).
- Waterproof camera (at your own risk).
Cancellation Policy
A 24 hours notice of cancellation is required for a full refund.
If a trip is cancelled due to weather or high river levels a full refund will be issued or you can re-scheduled to another day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this trip suitable for a family?
Yes, absolutely. Children love this trip. Our observations range from young ones who are in awe of the jet boats’ power and the drivers skills, to the excitement of the wilderness walk where their imaginations can play and the souvenirs they gather from this experience. Different times of the year introduce different animals for them to see from the lambs in the spring to the huge numbers of fish in the autumn and birdlife all year round. Recommend parents bring a day pack with drink and food for children.
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Fitness level required
Suited to most abilities. The walk is not at a fast pace but there is uneven ground and some rocks to walk over. You do have the option to do just a little of the walk at your own pace & let the others go ahead if walking is difficult and remain close to the jet boat until they return. A pretty good option as you are in paradise.
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Does the trip proceed in bad weather?
We do our best to ensure our trips do not proceed into incoming heavy rain. Mountain weather can be unpredictable and sometimes we may get caught out by showers. We have excellent wet weather gear and do our best to protect passengers from rain if it eventuates.
On the positive side, it can be very beautiful seeing changes in light that weather can bring. During our trips that follow on after heavy rain in the valley we make a point of showcasing the huge waterfalls that come to life.
