Grey River Rafting (Grade 2-3)

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Grey River Journey - 3 Day - Hanmer Springs to Ikamatua

This is a fantastic scenic New Zealand River Rafting trip with enough Grade 3 rapids to keep things interesting, when you're not engrossed in the spectacular scenery that the trip provides.

As you float through deep pools of emerald green water, take the opportunity to view outstanding, moss covered, steep-walled canyons and gorges. The trip is easily accessible and suits people of all ages.

Available as either a day trip or a three day trip, the versatile options and beauty of the Gentle Annie Gorge make this an irresistible option this summer. Manoeuvring around large boulders with thick, rugged West Coast Rainforest at the river's edge, watch the Grey River trout cruise off into the depths. Or then again, maybe you'd like to stop for a spot of excellent fishing.

Rafting from the headwaters where the Brown Grey and Blue Grey Rivers meet, enjoy an awesome multi day trip of low volume, scenic floating, which is great for a group or family to get some quality time in peaceful isolation.

Suggested Itinerary

Travel to the superb, alpine resort of Hanmer, where you can relax and soak in the hot pools and make the most of the last taste of civilisation before departing into the glorious wilderness.

Day 1

Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling to the put-in point near Springs Junction on the west side of the Lewis Pass. On the river by early afternoon, then a cruisy few kilometres down to a perfect camp near a large crystal clear pool for swimming, fishing and exploring: the best and most peaceful relaxation anybody could hope for.

Day 2

Another low key morning drifting for kilometres, leaving worries and road access to the river far behind us; a great feeling. And then on to part of the beautiful Gentle Annie Gorge section in the afternoon. Fantastic Grade 3 rapids where waves will break over the boat as we manoeuvre our way through the rock-choked river. Camp is usually on an island ... once again beside a crystal clear, deep pool of water.

Day 3

Our last day on the river leaves an indelible imprint on your memory. For most part, the water is flat, which leaves you to get lost in the absolute peace and tranquillity provided by the stunning, steep sided gorge you drift through. In time, however, the river breaks free of the mountains and you can smell and feel that the coast is somewhere near. This is where we choose to stop for lunch and if the river levels and weather permit, we enjoy a marvellous float out to the bridge just south of Ikamatua.

Ikamatua is a great place to finish the trip and you would be well advised to stay the night here and relive the special moments of the last few days. The hospitality at the local pub is outstanding; a joy and credit to the local community. Places like this, where the community is the way it used to be, where people pull together, are fast disappearing.

The itinerary above is a suggestion. If time is short, we can also raft the river as a day trip or a '1 night out' option. With such easy access, there are many put-in and take-out places available, so we can tailor an itinerary especially for you.

Testimonials

"Lovely family river with fantastic camp sites for swimming, fishing and relaxing round the camp fire. The Gentle Annie is gorgeous, with a wonderful mystic feeling as you float in the mist past intriguing rock faces covered in bush to the waters edge and waterfalls trickling down to meet you. Definitely a trip with something for Everyone!"