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The Full River — 5–6 Days
190 km of wilderness from Molesworth Station to the Pacific
5–6 Days
Duration
5+ Years
Age
Grade II+
River grade
$2,250 pp
From
The river beneath Tapuae-O-Uenuku
Paddlers in the gorge
Whitewater rapids
A riverside camp
We begin at 700m above sea level and travel roughly 190 km all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way explore the open tussock lands of Molesworth Station, three spectacular gorges of twisted rock strata interspersed with unique and open braided river sections. The highest mountains north of Aoraki (Mt Cook) cast shadows over us, including the peak of Tapuae-o-Uenuku (The Watcher). Drift through remote high country stations, amazing geology and the conservation park Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia (Clarence Reserve) with its establishing bush and ancient great stands of podocarp forest.
Note: Our full river journey is 5 days from September to December and 6 days from January onwards. This allows for the typically lower (and slower) summer flows and daylight hours shortening as autumn approaches.
- Top put in - travel the full length of the river
- Three spectacular gorges interspersed with open braids
- Four or five nights camping on secluded river beaches
- Earthquake geology and uplift features
- Fishing opportunities (permit required)
- Wildlife — falcons, paradise ducks, eels
- Fully catered, locally sourced meals, with ability to cater for all dietary requirements
We travel from deep inland, tucked between the St James and Hanmer ranges, heading north-east toward the Pacific. Along the way: the open tussock lands of Molesworth Station, three spectacular gorges of twisted rock strata, and unique open braided river sections. The highest mountains north of Aoraki / Mt Cook cast their shadows around you, including Tapuae-O-Uenuku — the Watcher.
We drift through remote high country stations, remarkable geology, and the conservation park Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia (Clarence Reserve), with its re-establishing bush and ancient stands of podocarp forest. Each evening we camp beside the river. Our guides guide by day and cook by the campfire as the sun sets, using seasonal local foods, wine and the seafood that Marlborough and the Kaikōura Coast are known for.
This is your river, this is our home. Let us show you what Aotearoa is made of.
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.
Meet at our base and transfer to the put-in at the confluence of the Waiau Toa / Clarence and Acheron Rivers, in the heart of Molesworth Station. Launch into open tussock country with wide braided channels. First camp on a river beach.
Continue through the open braids of Molesworth, with Tapuae-O-Uenuku overhead, then begin the transition into the first of three spectacular gorges.
Through the heart of the Clarence Reserve — ancient podocarp stands, re-establishing native bush and some of the best geology on the river.
The river broadens and the Seaward Kaikōura Range comes into view — uplifted terraces, fault scarps, and more chances for swimming and fishing.
The final push to the Pacific. The river meets the sea at the Clarence River mouth, then transfer back to base.
On the 6-day trip we take an extra day — a slower pace with more time to swim, fish, explore side streams or simply savour a favourite camp.
What’s Included
- All rafting equipment — rafts, paddles and safety gear
- Wetsuits and appropriate clothing
- 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
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
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 have a well established toileting system 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.
Get in Touch