Landsborough Rafting

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 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 three-course meal will then be served.

Day 2.
Begin with a leisurely breakfast then a briefing on the day's rafting. Breakdown camp and pack rafts. Start on the river learning basic rafting techniques then move on to white-water. Enjoy exciting rapids and fantastic scenery. Break for lunch and then continue rafting including the Hellfire rapid. You will eventually reach Harper’s Bluff where the group camps overnight. Again you have an opportunity to explore the surrounding area – try out a bit of fishing and later seek out some glow worm caves. Another delicious evening meal is prepared by your hosts. 4 hours rafting/15km approx.

Day 3. Enjoy a relaxed cooked breakfast then a briefing on the day's rafting. Breakdown camp and pack rafts. A day of fun awaits. Continue rafting on the Landsborough River until you reach the take out. Ride by coach back to Queenstown via Lake Wanaka. 4 hours rafting/15km approx.

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.

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.

Essential Items

Swimsuit and towel

Sleeping bag or these can be hired

Toiletries

Good walking footwear

Warm clothes for around camp

Raincoat

Insect repellent

Do not bring valuables (i.e. passports/travellers cheques/jewellery, etc.)

We supply:

All rafting equipment, rafting clothing and transport (including wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit booties and a life jacket)

Camping equipment

Luggage:
Lockers are available at the rafting base in Queenstown to store luggage not needed for this trip. These have a charge of $2, are secure and are large enough to take big suitcases and packs.

There is only limited space to carry your personal gear while rafting. These items will be stored in waterproof containers and dry-bags.

You will be transported between Queenstown and the river by comfortable coach. Light aircraft or helicopter will be used to fly you up the Landsborough River to the start of the rafting. Self-bailing inflatable rafts will be used to transport you down the river.

All meals are supplied once you join the trip. In the evenings you will dine with wine and three course meals, expertly prepared by specially selected guides with exceptional cullenary talent - all over an open fire!

Overnight you will be using tent accommodation. To make a home away from home there is a special dining/entertaining tent with table and chairs.

If you do not have a sleeping bag then they are available for hire. Otherwise there are no additional costs

Trips may be cancelled or subject to delay due to group size, weather or river conditions.

Payment:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:
Must be notified 28 days prior to trip departure, otherwise no refund given.

Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance.

Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.