East Branch Heli-Access

East Branch Heli-Access - fly-in wilderness packrafting

Want to skip the walk in and get straight to the river? The East Branch Heli-Access trip starts with a 15-minute helicopter flight from Wānaka taking you over the Matukituki Valley, its peaks, hanging glaciers and waterfalls. If the weather plays ball, there’s also a chance to land on a glacier before flying on to Junction Flat and the start of your paddle

From the drop-off, you’ll paddle the glacier-fed East Matukituki (Class II/III-), with fun wave trains, technical rapids, and calm emerald pools along the way. Our stable, self-bailing packrafts make this a great option for confident paddlers looking for something a bit different, while our Grade 3-qualified raft guides will read the river and group and adjust the day as needed

You’ll paddle beneath Avalanche Glacier, surrounded by seriously wild backcountry, with beech forest and native birds like pīwakawaka and kākāriki along the way - a part of the valley most people never get to see

Private, small-groups only - your party, your day. It's also a favourite for agents putting together premium, off-the-beaten-track South Island itineraries.

Prefer to earn it on foot? Check out the East Branch Expedition!

Highlights

• Private, small-group only - your group, your day
• A 15-minute scenic helicopter fly-in to Junction Flat, no walk-in
• A glacier landing enroute when weather permits
• Pristine East Matukituki whitewater (Class II/III−) - wave trains, rapids and emerald pools
• Paddle beneath Avalanche glacier

Good to know

• A heli-access full day for confident paddlers who can swim
• Ages 14+ - a guide assessment applies
• Run for small private groups of four to six paddlers (minimum 4 to book)
• Runs 15 October – 15 April; guest weights required at booking
• The helicopter flight and glacier landing are weather dependent - if conditions don't allow, we'll work with you on alternatives

Prices

Priced per group, not per person - one price, one aircraft, your own expedition. NZ$6,900 for a group of four, or NZ$9,500 for five to six paddlers (around NZ$1,583 per person at six). Minimum four paddlers.

For agents & private groups

Available to private groups and the travel trade. Email [email protected] or call +64 3 443 4416 for dates, net agent rates and availability.