East Branch Expedition

East Branch Expedition — advanced packrafting in Mount Aspiring National Park

Loved our Packraft Wānaka trip and found yourself wanting more river, fewer people and a bigger day? This is that trip. The East Branch Expedition takes experienced-beginner and intermediate paddlers deep into the upper East Branch of the Matukituki — a remote, rarely-paddled valley in the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park.

The day starts with a wilderness walk-in up the riverbed to a hidden put-in below the Kitchener confluence — this is a trip you earn. From there it's continuous, low-volume Grade 2 whitewater through narrow rocky channels, with the famous Rollercoaster — a long Grade 2+ rapid — as the optional challenge for those feeling confident. (One Grade 3 rapid on the run is always portaged: a short walk, a good look at serious whitewater, and a story for later.)

This is genuinely remote country. That's exactly why we keep it small — a maximum of six paddlers per guide, never big groups — and staff it with Grade 3-qualified raft guides who train for this river specifically, with helicopter support from our partners at Aspiring Helicopters. Self-bailing packrafts, full safety systems, and the kind of wilderness that most visitors to Wānaka never see.

Prefer to fly in? We also run a separate heli-access version of this trip, flown to the put-in by Aspiring Helicopters — ideal for small private groups, and available through agents. See the East Branch Heli-Access trip.

Highlights

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

What's included

• Self-bailing packraft, paddle and all safety gear
• Grade 3-qualified, rescue-trained guides
• A guided wilderness walk-in to a remote put-in
• Riverside lunch, as on all our packraft trips
• Helicopter support (Aspiring Helicopters)

What to bring

• Swimwear, thermal layers and a towel
• Sturdy footwear
• Water bottle and any personal medication

(Full kit list confirmed when you book.)

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.