On tight budgets but still want the screammmmer???
You’ll adrenalise on this “Bare Bones” backpackers heli run. You get our full safety backing,
the helicopter trip, all rafting equipment & clothing, comprehensive river training & certified guides like all our other trips, but there’s no extras. There’s no lunch, no transport, no spa and no guarantees!!! But you will ADRENALISE with 4 hrs on-river screamer time in NZ’s extreme West Coast White Water canyons with 21 rapids!! (you can walk around the bigger rapids!). Meet at 10:00am at the Whataroa River Tourist Area 20 minutes north of Franz Josef Glacier. Shuttles can be arranged from/to Franz, Greymouth or Hokitika at
additional cost. Finishes 5pm. Bookings essential, reconfirmations 24 hours prior also required.Operates from Dec 1st to March 31st, excluding Dec 25th & 26th & Jan 1stKnown 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 traveling to your adventure.
NZ's Grand Canyon
Located an hours drive north of the glaciers
or 1& 1/2 hours south of Greymouth on SH 6
Adventurers Grade 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.
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.
