Operates from Dec 1st to March 31st, excluding Dec 25th & 26th & Jan 1st
Known as "The land of contrasts" with its magnificent scenery, the West Coast is blessed with a variety of spectacular Rafting Rivers. This gives the region an enviable reputation for quality White Water Rafting Adventures. With all rivers being on the Main Tourist Highway, very little time is lost in travelling to your adventure.
NZ's Grand Canyon
Located an hour drive north of the glaciers
or one & a half hour south of Greymouth on SH 6
Adventurers Grade 4/5 Heli-rafting. You need to have above average fitness and be confident in the water for this one!
Often described as 'New Zealand's Grand Canyon', the West Coast's awesome granite gorges provide you with New Zealand's longest and most challenging canyoned white water. Raft guides from other parts of New Zealand that are looking for a challenge come and do this trip. Three years ago, the World Kayaking Championships were held in these gorges as they are rated amongst the World's classiest white water.
On this expedition wilderness rafting you will enjoy scouting the rapids and then planning the route with your guides, you'll be physically and emotionally challenged as once you commit to these gorges there is no turning back or walking out. Access is by helicopter only. You'll feel the vastness of the Southern Alps and the power of nature that has created this amazing landscape.
A twelve hour day starts with an awesome helicopter trip (I keep finding myself using this word awesome but that is the only way I can think of to describe it!) into the mountain gorges and then at least 4 hours of challenging whitewater back to the road. You get extensive raft and safety training at the head of the river before commencing your 6 hour descent. A high energy wilderness lunch is supplied.
At the end of last season the river was running at least 6 grade 5, 4 grade 4 and 12 grade 3 rapids. We couldn't decide on the grades of the other rapids so I have left them out but you will see that it is a full on day. The rivers can change dramatically as it is a very mobile environment so check with us to confirm the rapid count.
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This trip departs Fox Glacier 7:30am, Franz Josef 8:00am & Hokitika 7:45am and Greymouth 7:15am. It is located on the Whataroa River which is 40 minutes drive north of Franz Josef Glacier. If you have your own vehicle, it is best to do the trip when you are travelling to or from the Glaciers. This saves you travel time and we will meet you at the river. If you are travelling south from Greymouth or Hokitika then you can follow us in your vehicle . If you need transport we can provide this; let us know where you are staying and we will pick you up.
The walk in option is on the Arahura River and departs from Greymouth at 8:00am & Hokitika at 8:30am.
RAFTING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PLUS...To make sure you really are getting good value, we will give you a voucher for discounts & free stuff at places around the West Coast. You can pick up an absolutely FREE Big Mac, FREE Email, FREE Goldpanning at Shantytown, a FREE Beer/wine, a FREE Dessert at a local restaurant with your meal, discount hostel beds & heaps of other stuff. Worth up to $428. Click here for more info on our West Coast Bonus Saver Pass.
