Packrafting Queenstown – Guided Hike & Paddle Trips
Updated: 22 February 2026
Packrafting Queenstown – Guided Hike & Paddle Trips
Looking for the best packrafting experience in Queenstown? Packrafting and pack rafting trips combine guided hiking with lightweight inflatable rafts, allowing you to trek deep into remote backcountry before paddling out through pristine rivers and alpine landscapes. These small-group adventures are perfect for those wanting more than a standard rafting trip — offering wilderness immersion, physical challenge and unforgettable scenery.
Guided Pack Rafting Trips in Queenstown’s Remote Backcountry
Looking for the best packrafting experience in Queenstown? Packrafting and pack rafting trips combine guided hiking with lightweight inflatable rafts, allowing you to explore remote rivers and pristine backcountry landscapes far beyond the reach of traditional rafting tours. From our Queenstown base, small-group adventures take you deep into some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness — including the Rees River and Mount Aspiring region.
Packrafts are lightweight, durable and built for adventure. Weighing around 3 kg and packing down to the size of a sleeping bag, they’re easy to carry into remote terrain before inflating for the paddle out. Despite their compact size, they handle whitewater confidently and open up rivers that few people ever reach.
Choose a relaxed full-day License To Chill trip, the more challenging Aspiring Packrafter experience, or step into overnight and multi-day packrafting journeys for a deeper immersion into the Southern Lakes backcountry.
License to Chill - Packrafting Rees Valley Day Trip
Price: $399:00 per person
Duration: Allow 8 Hours
Pick up: Queenstown
Departing from Queenstown, we’ll journey along Lake Wakatipu toward Glenorchy, leaving civilization behind as we enter the remote Rees Valley.
At the end of a dirt road, we’ll take some time to prepare before starting our hike. The walk into the valley is breathtaking, with views of hanging glaciers, towering mountains, and a river winding through open grasslands. This wilderness is home to whitetail deer and has served as a backdrop for many Hollywood films.
As we wade through the river and stroll along the track to our lunch spot, it’s not unusual to have the valley entirely to ourselves. The hike is relaxed and easy, covering 8-9 km over 1.5 to 2 hours, with no steep hills to climb.
At our scenic lunch spot near the impressive Lennox Falls, we’ll enjoy a hearty meal before learning about our packrafts. Your guide will show you how to inflate the rafts (no lung power required!) and provide a full safety briefing on navigating the river.
The paddle back gives a fresh perspective on the valley, transforming this “out and back” journey into a loop. The Rees River is mellow and braided, offering both peaceful floating sections and occasional small rapids for those seeking a bit of thrill.
Eventually, our journey on the water comes to an end. Your guide will help you deflate and pack up the rafts before a short walk back to the car park.
For many of our guests, this trip is not only the highlight of their Queenstown visit but also one of the most memorable parts of their New Zealand adventure!”
Mt. Aspiring Packrafter - Wanaka Day Trip
Price: $409:00 per person
Duration: Allow 8 Hours
Pick up: Queenstown & WanakaThis is the ultimate day adventure – the most thrilling guided packrafting trip in New Zealand!
We start with a scenic hike into Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by towering peaks. After a well-deserved lunch, we’ll take to the river, where the excitement ramps up.
The Matukituki River offers a perfect balance of fun and challenge. It’s still suitable for beginners but adds a bit more thrill with lively grade II rapids and serene floating sections. You’ll spend the afternoon alternating between moments of pure relaxation and the exhilaration of riding the rapids.
Your day begins in Queenstown, where your guide will meet you for the drive toward Wanaka and the start of our hike. We’ll walk up the river valley to our lunch spot near the Mt Aspiring Hut.
After lunch, your guide will provide a full safety briefing and teach you the skills you’ll need to tackle the rapids, which start almost immediately. You’ll have the freedom to navigate the river at your own pace, bouncing through rapids and waving to hikers as you pass.
We end our paddle with a short walk back to the parking area. After an unforgettable day, your guide will drive you back to town, leaving you tired but deeply satisfied with this wild adventure. This is what days off were made for!
Overnighter - Packrafting Rees Valley (2 Days)
Price: $1050:00 per person
Duration: Two days approx (Includes overnight camp)
Pick up: Queenstown
At the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, about an hour from Queenstown, lies the pristine Rees Valley. Far from the crowds and surrounded by stunning landscapes, the Rees Valley will be our playground for the next two days.
Our time is split between hiking through this breathtaking valley to our exclusive camp, exploring hidden side creeks, and paddling down the scenic Rees River. Under the gaze of hanging glaciers and flanked by towering mountains, this river is a packrafting paradise and ideal for beginners.
We’ll provide everything you need, from packrafting gear and tents to food and even a camp toilet (because not all adventures need to be tough). Here, you’ll feel remote and connected to nature, with few people around to interrupt the peace.
Day 1
Our journey begins in Queenstown, where your guide will outline the plan to ensure everyone is prepared for the adventure. After a short drive to the trailhead, you’ll receive any remaining packrafting gear and assistance with packing before starting the hike.
The first day covers around 14 km on gentle, varied terrain, with a scenic lunch stop midway. Shortly after lunch, we’ll arrive at our camping spot and set up camp.
In the afternoon, we take to the river! This session is focused on getting comfortable with the packrafts—learning how to inflate them and practicing basic navigation.
Back at camp, we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner, with time to relax afterward. Whether you want to unwind with a book, stretch out on a yoga mat, capture incredible photos, or chat with your guide, this downtime is yours to savor. After a fulfilling day, you’ll sleep well under the stars.
Day 2
After a breakfast prepared by your guide, we break camp and hit the river! Today’s journey is about soaking in the beauty around you as you float along, with opportunities to navigate gentle rapids and waves.
We’ll stop for one last alfresco lunch before wrapping up the trip. By mid-afternoon, we’ll start the return journey to Queenstown, aiming to have you back at your accommodation with time to unwind before dinner.
This overnight trip is perfect for first-time packrafters or those seeking a unique camping experience. With only small groups, your guide can tailor the adventure to your preferences, making it as mellow or as thrilling as you like.
Designed with ease in mind, this trip offers light packs, flat hiking, and downstream paddling. We take care of every detail, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey in the heart of New Zealand’s wilderness.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Packrafting Tours:
No experience is necessary! Our tours are beginner-friendly, and your guide will provide all the training and support you need. You’ll learn how to paddle, navigate, and handle rapids safely.
We’ll send you a packing list tailored to your specific trip. Essentials include comfortable hiking clothes, warm layers, waterproof gear, sturdy footwear, and personal items like sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
Yes, we provide all packrafting equipment, including rafts, paddles, life jackets, and safety gear. For overnight trips, we also supply camping gear, including tents and sleeping mats, as well as all meals.
A moderate level of fitness is ideal. Most tours involve hiking, paddling, and sometimes biking, but the pace is designed to suit the group, and we ensure plenty of breaks.
We keep our groups small to ensure a more personal experience and allow us to tailor the trip to each participant’s needs and abilities.
The rivers we use typically feature Grade I or II rapids. These are beginner-friendly but still provide plenty of fun and excitement.
Yes, all meals are included on overnight tours. We provide hearty, energy-rich meals, and we can cater to dietary requirements if notified in advance.
Safety is our priority. If the weather makes the trip unsafe, we will reschedule, offer an alternative experience, or provide a refund where necessary. Your guide will monitor conditions closely.
Yes, but we recommend bringing a waterproof camera or keeping your phone in a secure dry bag. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos of the scenery and your adventure.
Our trips are designed for adults and teenagers aged 13 and above. Younger participants may be considered on a case-by-case basis—please contact us to discuss.
You can book directly through the website. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons.
While it’s helpful to know how to swim, it’s not essential. You’ll be wearing a life jacket at all times on the water, and your guide will ensure your safety.
Packrafts are lightweight, portable, and versatile boats that allow us to combine hiking, biking, and paddling. They enable access to remote areas that larger rafts cannot reach, offering a more immersive adventure.
No problem! Our guides handle all the logistics, including setting up tents, cooking meals, and ensuring everyone is comfortable. You just need to bring your sense of adventure!