Packraft Wanaka
Overview
This is an adventure like no other, paddling one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain rivers in our fun, inflatable packrafts.
Start your action packed day with a scenic shuttle drive beneath the towering mountains, glaciers and waterfalls of the Matukituki Valley.
After refreshments its gear-on, safety brief and paddle tuition before heading down-river on our stable and strong packrafts. Ride the wave trains, paddle into calm eddies and float with the river flow. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the river bank and play in turquoise swimming holes as you continue paddling down river. By the time the day is done your guide will have you paddling like a pro.
You'll be accompanied by one of our friendly 'shuttle support' dogs on the drive, please let us know if this might be an issue for you and we can arrange otherwise.
What's Included
- Photos
- Picnic lunch and snacks (please provide dietary requirements)
- Courtesy shuttle
- All guests must be able to swim
- Packrafting gear (wetsuits, booties, spray jackets, helmets)
Meeting Location
99 Ardmore Street
Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Wanaka River Journeys
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Mount Aspiring National Park
5 hours Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Please talk to us if you are over 130kg to ensure we have the right size gear for you
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- All children (4-14yrs) must be accompanied by an adult over 18
- Clients Must be able to swim
- Please supply weight, height, shoe size, dietary requirements and level of water confidence (high/med/low)
- Clients must read our Terms, Conditions & Risk Disclosure prior to booking (Please go to our website www.wanakariverjourneys.co.nz and click on the link at the bottom of the home page)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Packraft Wanaka?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-47316P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 57 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Photos.
- Picnic lunch and snacks (please provide dietary requirements).
- Courtesy shuttle.
- All guests must be able to swim.
- Packrafting gear (wetsuits, booties, spray jackets, helmets).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 10. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Packraft Wanaka is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Please talk to us if you are over 130kg to ensure we have the right size gear for you
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Packraft Wanaka will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Photos
- Picnic lunch and snacks (please provide dietary requirements)
- Courtesy shuttle
- All guests must be able to swim
- Packrafting gear (wetsuits, booties, spray jackets, helmets)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Please talk to us if you are over 130kg to ensure we have the right size gear for you
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- All children (4-14yrs) must be accompanied by an adult over 18
- Clients Must be able to swim
- Please supply weight, height, shoe size, dietary requirements and level of water confidence (high/med/low)
- Clients must read our Terms, Conditions & Risk Disclosure prior to booking (Please go to our website www.wanakariverjourneys.co.nz and click on the link at the bottom of the home page)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
