Packrafting Queenstown — Local services in South Island

If you’re looking for a magical river adventure through some of the most beautiful countryside New Zealand has to offer, then this pack-rafting adventure in the Rees Valley is a must do while you are in Queenstown! First of all, the guides leading this experience were amazing! We had Jeff and Leon as our guides and their warm energy and charismatic approach felt so welcoming, and put everyone at ease and excited to get started with our day right away. Their clear instructions and guidance throughout the entire journey made everyone feel safe and supported, and their entertaining and cheeky banter had us all laughing while we were learning the ways of pack-rafting. This was my first time pack-rafting and I couldn’t believe how small the rafts pack down and how light they were to carry. The walk in was a breeze, a 6km stroll along the Rees Valley to the start of the river put in, the scenery was stunning! The trip was the perfect pace, plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy a leisurely lunch before kitting up and getting onto the water. Pack-rafting turns out to be so much fun!! And not only that, it was such a neat way to take in all the magnificent sights of the Rees Valley. We started the river journey with a quick sneak peak into a magical little side canyon before beginning our float down stream, staring into the crystal clear water to the rocks on the bottom, navigating and flowing through some easy sections of rapids, admiring the bird life along the rivers edge, staring up at the glaciers on the mountains high above our heads, soaking in the lush green native forest around us, it was a truly magical experience that we didn’t want to end. We hopped off the river at the end, absolutely buzzing and wanting to go again. This experience is well worth putting on the top of your to do list when you’re in Queenstown! Thanks again to the delightful guides on our trip for providing a fun, unique and wonderful day out in such beautiful surroundings....

If I could give 10 stars I would. OMG simply the best of both worlds, an incredible hike for around 4 miles, along a valley, seeing by wild deer, multiple bird species, sheep! and those mountains, snow capped for extra effect.

Kohei was our guide for the day, just the 3 off us, he picked us up on time (07.45) from the designated place and we headed off on the 45 min drive down to Glenorchy, got one more caffeine hit and then we drove further into the valley, parked up by the river, and Kohei laid out all the equipment we needed, completed a very comprehensive safety brief and off we went. Traversing little slips of clean water and navigating the muddy patches with laughter and cajoling one another. The next 2 hours to were in awe of our surrounding, eventually after so much laughter and fun with Kohei, we arrived at the end point of the hike.

We had the lunch which was great, plenty of food with a huge sandwich and a choc covered granola bar thing which was delicious. Then Kohei showed us how to unpack and inflate the kayaks. We struggled into the wetsuits - no denying my hubby struggled for ages for me to point out he'd put it on back to front - more laughter!

Kohei took us upstream into where the river comes out (now in the kayak) which was absolutely beautiful, then we floated out and began the almost 2hrs back to the pickup. The river was low, and some channels / crossing were touch and go as to whether you would bottom out and get stuck, this added a element of competition as to who would not get grounded! More laughter and frivolity and ribbing if you got stuck.

Kohei was an amazing guide, he shared in our laughter and sense of fun, though he always had his watchful eye on us and was checking we were all ok, and keeping us together as a group. Offering rests etc, we battled a strong head wind at times so effort with paddling was 100% needed, this was not a lazy river drift for sure.

If you have one day! just one day, do this...

Overall a good day but not sure if it was good value for money ($318pp for Licence to Chill). We could have been offered a pickup from our Airbnb which is situated enroute to Rees Valley. Btw, the van we traveled in was musty and damp. It was a rather unpleasant ride especially with the windows closed and heating unable to be turned off. The stop at the General Store was a welcome break for coffee (at our expense) and toilets. We were each given a bag containing the raft and wetsuits & neoprene socks. My wetsuit & socks were slightly damp / not smelling great…The 2h hike across fields and along the riverside was pleasant. The ‘hearty lunch’ was underwhelmingly made up of a cold ham sandwich and a greasy cookie (no water offered… all day). Our guide Emma, explained the gear and the safe paddle techniques very well - perfect for packraft beginners like us- not sure about the other couple who were friends of our guide. The raft trip itself was fun going down the shallow river & small rapids with stunning views!….until my husband’s raft tore as he hit a rock and he agreed to walk all the way back to the van - which luckily, was a short 30-min brisk walk and run for him! The alternative solution offered by Emma was for him to use her raft and she would walk along the river bank guiding us / provide instructions how to navigate the river. This I think would not work if there were participants who are uncomfortable with the idea of going down the unfamiliar rapids on their own. We were told it’s never happened before but this could have been avoided ie. contingency plans in place eg. guide could have brought a spare raft with them. Overall, as stated, an enjoyable day but not seeming up to par judging by other reviews and for the high cost vs other...