Aspiring Wanaka Packraft Trip

Oct-Apr

South Island

Packrafting Queenstown

from

NZ$409

per person

Solo paddler navigating a scenic river in Mount Aspiring National Park surrounded by cliffs and native forest

Experiences

Rafting & Sledging Tours

Hiking & Walking

Adventure Tours

Day Tours

South Island

Start: Wanaka

Location: Wānaka

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 8 hours

Difficulty: 2

Minimum Age: 14

Details

Experience the Wild Side of Mt Aspiring National Park

For those craving a full-day adventure that combines wilderness, challenge, and pure fun, the Aspiring Wanaka Packraft Trip delivers it all. Starting from Wānaka, the journey takes you deep into Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with alpine beauty. With every turn, the Matukituki Valley reveals towering peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and the kind of tranquillity only found in the heart of New Zealand’s backcountry.

The day begins with a scenic drive into the valley, followed by a relaxed hike along the riverbank towards Mt Aspiring Hut. You’ll find yourself surrounded by native bush, birdsong, and mountain air so fresh it almost hums. After a well-earned lunch stop, it’s time for the highlight – trading your hiking boots for a packraft and gliding onto the Matukituki River.

A Perfect Blend of Hiking and River Adventure

This guided day trip offers the perfect mix of hiking and paddling, creating an adventure that’s both exhilarating and peaceful. The Matukituki River’s gentle grade II rapids are ideal for beginners, providing splashes of excitement between calm stretches that let you soak in the mountain views. Guided by local experts, you’ll learn the ropes quickly before setting off at your own pace – floating beneath snow-capped peaks and through pristine alpine landscapes that seem untouched by time.

After a day filled with laughter, fresh air, and just the right amount of adrenaline, you’ll head back to Wānaka with memories that stay long after the gear’s packed away. The Aspiring Wanaka Packraft Trip is more than a day out – it’s a genuine taste of the wild spirit that makes New Zealand’s South Island so special.