Rafting & Sledging Tours
Adventure Tours
Multi-Day Short Tours
Small Group Tours
Learn from New Zealand’s Most Experienced Instructors
Led by expert instructors, this course has become the benchmark for packrafting training across New Zealand. It’s built around a proven curriculum focused on safety, self-rescue, and river-running awareness. Every lesson is hands-on, practical, and designed to give you the confidence to paddle independently.
Across three immersive days, you’ll gain not just technical ability but also a strong understanding of decision-making and group safety. The Rees Valley’s natural beauty and controlled river environment make it an inspiring classroom. By the end of the course, you’ll have the foundation, skills, and mindset for a lifetime of safe, adventurous packrafting.
Trip Overview
- Duration: 3 days
- Location: Rees Valley, near Queenstown, New Zealand
- Activities: Packrafting instruction, river safety, rescue techniques
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Accommodation: Day trips with optional camping recommendations
- Group Size: Small groups for personalized instruction
- Equipment: All necessary gear provided (option to bring your own)
What's Included
- All specialist packrafting equipment
- Knowledge and experience
- Transport
What's to Bring
- A towel and swimwear
- Your personal river/rescue gear
- Sturdy footwear (that you don't mind getting wet as we cross rivers)
- Suitable hiking clothes for the weather
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Bug Repellant
- Food
- Your own Packraft if you have one
Minimum of 3 guests to confirm a departure.
Cancellations and Refunds
- More than 12 weeks before departure: Loss of deposit (20% fee)
- Within 12 weeks: No refund
- After trip begins: No refunds under any circumstances.
Note: Refunds exclude credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
Most of the time we can drive right to our private hut, but occasionally creek crossings make the track impassable, and we may walk for around 20 minutes to reach camp. The hut sleeps four, and as our group is typically between five and ten people, some participants will camp nearby. We can provide tents and sleeping bags if needed — just let us know in advance.
Evenings are relaxed and social. You’ll have time to unwind, ask questions, and get to know your course mates around camp — a perfect time to share stories or enjoy a well-earned drink. Please bring your own dinner, cooking gear if required, and breakfast for the following morning.
We encourage participants to bring their own gear if possible, as becoming familiar with your personal equipment is invaluable. However, we understand many are still deciding on purchases, so we’re happy to provide all necessary equipment for a small daily fee of NZ$40.
This nominal charge helps cover wear and tear and encourages participants to take ownership of the gear during the course. If you decide to buy equipment through us afterward, the fee can be credited towards your purchase. Either way, you’ll have quality gear to ensure a safe and comfortable learning experience.
- From Queenstown (meet your guide on Duke St, opposite the Sofitel) at 8am. You can meet us in Glenorchy or alternatively self drive (self driving is a necessity under Level 3)
- Allow three full days on the water
- Private Courses can be put together for groups of 4 as a minimum.
- Private tuition can be booked to work on specific skills or have some private coaching.
- Our 3 day courses in Murchison are run in conjunction with the NZ Kayak School and include accomodation and video analysis.
- Our Packrafting 101 are perfect for newbies or people who are in the first couple of years of packrafting and are suitable for all levels of fitness.
- Specific Rescue courses are available on request and/or subject to minimum numbers.
All activities offered by the Operator carry inherent risks. By choosing to participate, you acknowledge and accept these risks personally and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, release the Operator and its staff from any liability for injury, loss, damage, or expenses arising from your involvement. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Personal injury or death
- Property loss or damage
- Accidental or negligent acts
- Emotional distress, suffering, or related conditions
✅ Consent and Agreement to Conditions
By taking part in the activity, you agree to the above and the following terms:
- Binding Agreement: Your successors, executors, administrators, and next of kin are also bound by these conditions.
- No Legal Action: You agree not to initiate legal proceedings in any jurisdiction regarding the risks outlined above and will indemnify the Operator against any such claims.
- Health Confirmation: You confirm you are physically fit and have no medical conditions that may be worsened by the activity.
- Medical Consent: In the case of illness or injury during the activity, you consent to receive medical treatment and release the Operator from liability related to this care.
- Use of Media: You agree not to use any film, video, or recordings made during the activity for promotional purposes without written consent. The Operator may use such material at its discretion.
- Obeying Instructions: You agree to follow all instructions given by guides or hosts, and to ensure any children in your care do the same.
