Heli Rafting — 4 Days
Start your rafting journey with a spectacular flight over the Seward Kaikōura Ranges.
4 Days
Duration
5+ Years
Age
Grade II+
River grade
$2,050 pp
From
Helicopter at Quail Flat
Rapids in the Sawtooth Gorge
A riverside camp
Campfire cooking
Fly from Kaikōura over the spectacular Seaward Kaikōura Range and land at Quail Flat. Here meet your rafts and begin your journey through the open braids deep in Muzzle Station country. We raft approximately 110kms and remove a lot of the time pressure to get downstream - but still have the opportunity to see much of the stunning country that lies in the Clarence Valley. A more leisurely pace that suits family groups.
- Helicopter flight from Kaikōura Airport
- Put-in at Quail Flat, deep in Muzzle Station country
- Roughly 110 km of river
- Three nights camping on river beaches
- Grade II+ rapids
- Fishing opportunities (permit required)
A great option for family groups and anyone wanting a more leisurely pace. We begin with a helicopter flight from Kaikōura Airport over the spectacular Seaward Kaikōura Range, landing at Quail Flat. From there we meet our rafts and journey through the open braids deep in Muzzle Station country before entering the Sawtooth Gorge. Covering roughly 110 km, there’s still plenty of time to soak up the Clarence Valley without the pressure of long daily distances.
Suitable for any active person of moderate fitness. Minimum age 5.
- A very popular family activity — something every age group will enjoy
- Trampers and climbers who want the wilderness without carrying a pack
- Tramping clubs, book clubs and community groups from all over New Zealand
- A stunning way to celebrate — 50th birthdays, anniversaries, reunions
- Botanists, geologists, birders and photographers — this valley has a lot to offer
- Kayakers who want to bring non-kayaking friends along for the journey
- Those who love adventure and campfires but also appreciate wine glasses and wild New Zealand cuisine
- Spring: higher river flows make on-river days relaxed; nesting birds and snow-capped mountains
- Summer: lower, warmer water — perfect for swimming; special valley plants in flower
- Autumn: clear, calm weather; cooling temperatures and stunning colours
Each season offers a different mood. Pick a time that suits your style and enjoy the wilderness.
Fly from Kaikōura Airport over the Seaward Kaikōura Range and land at Quail Flat. Meet the rafts and paddle the open braids of Muzzle Station country. First camp on a river beach.
Enter the Sawtooth Gorge — canyon walls, twisted strata and the most technical, exciting water of the trip. Camp riverside.
Continue through the gorge into the broadening lower valley. Time to swim, fish and explore. Final camp.
The last run down to the Pacific and the Clarence River mouth, then transfer back.
What’s Included
- All rafting equipment — rafts, paddles and safety gear
- All camping equipment — tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags
- All meals from lunch on day one to lunch on the final day
- Experienced river guides
- Transport to the put-in and from the take-out
- Waterproof bags for personal gear
- First aid and emergency communication equipment
What to Bring
Essential gear
- Quick-dry clothing (layers)
- Thermal layers (top and bottom)
- Warm fleece or jacket for evenings
- Rain jacket (waterproof)
- River shoes (secure footwear, old sneakers are best)
- Sunhat and sunglasses with a strap
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Personal medication
- Headlamp or torch
Optional items
- Fishing gear (permit required)
- Camera (waterproof recommended)
- Book or journal
- Binoculars
- Personal snacks
- Insect repellent
We’ll provide a detailed packing list once you book.
Important Information
Helicopter access
The helicopter is weather dependent and can occasionally run into departure delays. We’ll keep you posted as your departure approaches.
Experience level
Multi-day trips are more physically demanding than our half-day trips. Be comfortable with:
- Several hours of paddling each day
- Camping in remote locations
- No shower or phone signal for the duration
- Carrying personal gear to and from the rafts
- Potentially challenging weather
Swimming ability
Swimming ability is not essential, but all participants need to be aware they may end up in the river. We begin with a thorough safety briefing which details how to avoid falling out and what to do if you find yourself in the river. Non swimmers should disclose this to the trip leader so we can do our best to make you feel comfortable.
Booking & planning
Multi-day trips need advance booking (minimum two weeks, preferably longer) so we can prepare food, organise equipment, check river conditions and confirm DOC permits. Peak season (Dec–Jan) books out early.
Weather dependent
If conditions are unsafe we may postpone or modify your trip. We stay in close contact as your departure date approaches.
Safety certified
- WorkSafe AAR regulated
- DOC concession holder
- NZ Rivers Association member
- Qualified professional guides
Frequently Asked Questions
None at all — our guides handle everything and teach you as you go. If you’d like, you can even have a turn at guiding a raft under supervision.
Our guides cook fresh, seasonal local food over the campfire — from green-lip mussels and fresh-roast coffee to Marlborough whites. Food really is our thing. We cater GF, DF and vege options with notice.
We provide tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags. Each night we camp on a secluded river beach — every campsite has its own character.
These are remote wilderness trips — no showers, and no phone signal for the duration. We carry a portable toilet and follow leave-no-trace principles.
Suitable for any active person of moderate fitness, ages 5+. You’ll paddle for several hours a day and help carry personal gear to and from the rafts.
Trips are weather dependent — for safety we may modify or postpone. Where a trip uses helicopter access, that flight is also weather dependent and can occasionally run into departure delays.
Ready to Talk Dates?
This is your river, this is our home. Get in touch and we’ll help you plan it.
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