East Branch Expedition

East Branch Expedition - advanced packrafting in Mount Aspiring National Park

Loved our Packraft Wānaka trip and found yourself wanting more? The East Branch Expedition is for experienced beginner and intermediate paddlers who want to step things up a bit. A bigger day, more whitewater, and a proper backcountry experience. It’s our guides’ favourite section for a reason

The day starts with a walk up the riverbed to a hidden put-in below the Kitchener confluence. It’s a decent walk but well worth it once you reach the river. From there it's continuous, low-volume Grade 2 whitewater with plenty of fun features along the way, plus the famous Rollercoaster - a long Grade 2+ rapid - as an optional challenge for those feeling confident.

There’s also one Grade 3 rapid on the run, which we always portage. It’s a short walk around but gives you a pretty good look at some serious whitewater before you jump back in!

This is a remote trip, so we keep the groups small. A maximum of six paddlers per guide, with Grade-3 qualified raft guides who know the East Branch well. We also have helicopter support from our partners at Aspiring Helicopters

You’ll be paddling self-bailing packrafts with all the safety gear you need, surrounded by some seriously wild country that most people never get to see

Prefer to skip the walking? We also run a separate heli-access version of this trip, flown to the put-in by Aspiring Helicopters. It’s a great option for small private groups and is available through agents. See the East Branch Heli-Access trip.

Highlights

• Small groups - maximum six paddlers per guide, never a crowd
• The remote upper East Branch, well off the usual day-trip route
• Continuous Grade 2 whitewater with an optional Grade 2+ challenge
• A guided wilderness walk-in to a hidden put-in below the Kitchener confluence
• Grade 3-qualified, rescue-trained guides with helicopter support

 Good to know

• An advanced full day for confident, fit paddlers who can swim
• Ages 14+ (no child rate) - a guide assessment applies
• Small groups - up to six paddlers per guide
• Runs 15 October - 15 April
• Physically demanding, with a wilderness walk-in to the put-in

Prices & booking

From NZ$499 per person. Book online now, or email [email protected] or call +64 3 443 4416 - new this season and running with limited numbers.