Wanganui Wonder

The Wanganui drains the Southern Alps just North of Hari Hari and was the stage for the packrafting section of this year's True West Adventure Race.  Hunter's Hut is about 6-8hrs up the valley depending on your pacing and offers the opportunity to nose into the Lambert River and the imposing Impassable Gorge.  The paddle out has lots of quality Class III rapids, hot pools and a harder rapid great for those who want to challenge themselves and easy to portage for those that don't.

Note: Due to the more challenging whitewater included in this trip paddlers will be vetted for competence.  This may involve any of the following: Having paddled with us before and us knowing your skills, reference from an experienced member of the packrafting community or other commercial packrafting company, video evidence of competence, a phone call/discussion around comfort/competence.

Rough Schedule/Timings:

Day 1

9am: Meet at Amethyst Creek Hydro Station. Check essentials are packed and start hiking up the Wanganui Valley (6-8hrs walk)

~12:30-1pm: Lunch on the hike 

~3-4pm: Arrive Hunter's Hut, set up in hut or camping (depending on if hut is busy/full)

4pm: If good time has been made on the hike there is an optional excursion to check out Impassable Gorge on the Lambert River, a truly spectacular place!  

6pm: Off water back to hut

7pm: Dinner, yarns and bed

Day 2

8am: Breakfast

9am: Gear up and head out on the river

~10:30am: Scout/run/portage 'slip rapid' the major whitewater section on the Wanganui

12pm: Lunch on the river

~1pm: Continue downstream stopping at the incredible (and somewhat slimy) natural hotsprings at the aptly named Hot Spring Flat

~3pm: More Hot Springs await at Amethyst Creek!

3:30pm: Off the water, change load up and debrief at the Hari Hari cafe or Ross pub!

What's Included

Small ratios with an experienced guide familiar with the river.  Optional coaching if there are skills you would like to work on.  Discuss this with your guide.

Optionally Included

Packrafting equipment @$50/per person per day

Food...due to different taste and weight preferences we're encouraging people to bring their own food, but can help supply food if needed and will bring some treats!

What to bring

A full packing list will be sent out to people booked on the course but make sure you have the following:

Backpack

Packraft + Paddle

Whitewater PFD

Whitewater Helmet

Throwbag

Appropriate footwear

Wetsuit or Drysuit 

Camp clothes and warm/dry layers

Sleeping Bag

Waterbottle and food for the trip

Stove (can be organised to share)

A good attitude!