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Not available to children aged under 15 years.

Maximum 20

Itinerary

This multi-day New Zealand rafting trip begins in the very heart of wilderness country. Your small group will glide past glaciers, 10,000 ft mountains and dense rainforest. As you camp and paddle your way down the Landsborough River, you will have plenty of time to experience outdoor activities such as canyoning or bush walking through ancient beech forests - the habitat of a variety of New Zealand's native birds.

All you require is a sense of adventure and love of the wilderness to explore the splendour of this remote mountain valley in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps - a love of fine cuisine won't go astray either.

The rafting trip is open to people of average fitness. Although unlikely, it is possible for you to end up in the water, so reasonable ability in the water is required.

Rafting Grade 2 - 4+ rapids. The Landsborough River varies in difficulty according to river levels. Spring river levels are generally higher due to snowmelt (November).

Day 1.

Pick up from your accommodation, and travel to the rafting base in Queenstown for a briefing and to be fitted out with gear. Depart Queenstown by coach and travel past Lake Wanaka and Hawea to Burke's Flat. Transfer to the river departure point, by helicopter or fixed wing airplane where lunch is served. Set up camp and then enjoy free time to bush walk or relax in magnificent surroundings. A delicious four-course meal will then be served.

Day 2.

Begin with a leisurely breakfast, camp is disassembled before your experienced guides provide a full safety briefing. Immersed in stunning scenery, the next five hours of rafting caters for everyone from action to the sedate. The white water of the Upper Gates Gorge is interspersed with fun, lower grade water. After breaking along the way for a tasty and filling lunch, we continue our journey to Harper Bluff to set up camp for the night amongst this stirring wilderness. Before bed you can take a visit to see glowworms and enjoy some star gazing.
5 hours rafting/15km approx.

Day 3.

An another day dawns, a huge cooked breakfast sees you ready for a further three hours of rafting through majestic scenery. With a stop at the crystal clear Purple Creek for lunch, our guides have some action in store for you! Eventually, its time to farewell the mighty Landsborough Valley and return to Queenstown by approximately 7.00pm
3 hours rafting/15km approx.

Grading & Fitness

Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
No rafting experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness and good health required.

No hiking is required for this trip although there are a number of easy bush walks you can engage in. A moderate level of fitness is required for the paddling involved while rafting.

There is the possibility that you could fall into the river. Although you do not need to be able to swim (as you will be wearing a bouyancy vest) you do need to be able to handle yourself in the water.

Guides & Safety

Only senior guides are used for this trip. They are fully licenced and are carefully chosen on the basis of their skill and experience, their ability to make sound decisions and their ability to communicate and identify with clients. The guides are qualified in first aid and are able to make radio contact with the Queenstown base. In addition a safety kayaker will be accompanying the rafts.

What to take

Essential Items