Packrafting Retreat Week - Grade I/II
- Trvanie: 6 Dní (cca.)
- Kód produktu: Retreat I/II
Packraft Retreat Week – Beginner-Friendly Adventure in New Zealand
For years we searched for the perfect beginner-friendly multiday packrafting trip in New Zealand. The truth is, the best introduction isn’t just one big river — it’s a series of different journeys. That’s what the 6-day Packraft Retreat Week is all about: day trips and an overnight journey woven together into a relaxed progression, showing off some of the South Island’s most beautiful rivers and valleys.
This trip is designed to welcome newcomers into packrafting while also showcasing the very best of New Zealand packrafting to experienced paddlers visiting from overseas. Some people join to take their very first paddle strokes in safe, stunning settings; others come with miles already under their belt but want to leave the logistics behind and enjoy a hand-curated trip with all the value that guides add — local knowledge, safety leadership, and a team to travel with.
Either way, the focus is on what really matters: wild landscapes, time on the water, and the chance to switch off from everyday life. It’s part retreat, part adventure, and completely unforgettable.
Who is this trip for?
Beginners & the packraft-curious – no experience needed, just an adventurous spirit.
Visiting packrafters – enjoy some of New Zealand’s most scenic rivers without the stress of organising shuttles, logistics, or gear.
Adventurers seeking a retreat – six days of rivers, valleys, lakes, and time to breathe.
All you need is a reasonable level of fitness and the willingness to carry a pack for short distances. We provide all the boats, safety gear, and guiding expertise.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 – License to Chill
A quiet valley, a gentle hike in, and your first float out. A calm river framed by beech forest and mountain ridges — the perfect way to start.
Day 2 – Aspiring Packrafter
Turquoise rivers and glacier-carved valleys in Mt Aspiring National Park. Beginner-friendly moving water in one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.
Day 3 – The Caples River
A classic “walk in, paddle out” journey. Hike to Mid Caples Hut, then float back through a scenic gorge and optional Grade 2+ canyon section. One of our favourite rivers in the country.
Day 4 – Rest & Recharge in Queenstown
A day to reset in the adventure capital of the world. Explore bike trails, soak in a riverside hot tub, sample award-winning wines, or simply relax lakeside before the overnight leg begins.
Day 5 – The Waiau Journey
We drive south and put on the Waiau River, gliding deep into Fiordland’s edge country. Broad valleys, big skies, and the sense of being far from anywhere. Camp by Lake Manapouri at Shallow Bay.
Day 6 – The Final Paddle
A morning paddle across the lake, with time for a short walk to a viewpoint over Lake Manapouri. It’s a moment to pause, gather the crew for a photo, then finish the journey before returning to Queenstown for onwards travel or a celebration dinner.
Why join the Packraft Retreat Week?
Beginner-friendly: no whitewater experience required.
Showcase for visitors: experience multiple classic rivers with zero logistics stress.
Variety: instead of one river, you’ll paddle several — each with its own flavour.
Balance: a mix of activity and downtime, including a rest day in Queenstown.
All-inclusive: boats, safety gear, guides, and transport provided.
Progression: the perfect stepping stone towards our Grade 2/3 retreats and the “Best of NZ Packrafting” expedition.
Practical Details
Duration: 6 days
Location: Queenstown, Mt Aspiring National Park, Caples Valley, Waiau River, Lake Manapouri
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly (Grade 1–2 rivers, with optional Grade 2+ section)
Group Size: Small groups for a personalised experience
Included: Professional guides, packrafts, safety equipment, transport during the trip
Not Included: Personal clothing, camping gear (hire available), meals in Queenstown on rest day
This is more than just a trip — it’s a gateway into the world of packrafting for some, and a curated showcase of New Zealand’s best beginner-friendly rivers for others. Six days of rivers, lakes, and valleys, with time to relax, reset, and connect with the landscapes that make New Zealand one of the world’s greatest adventure destinations.
? Reserve your place now and be part of the first Packraft Retreat Week.
