Pioneer RaftingPioneer RaftingBellbird Korimako
Devil's Nook








Trips

"Thank you so much for our eco rafing trip with you! It was a highlight of our trip and we have enjoyed telling our friends and family about the experience! John even tries to call birds by saying 'Hello, Boys!' like you did, but it doesn't seem to work here like it did with the Fantails. Thanks for our wonderful adventure!"
~ Judy and John Hughes, San Francisco, USA.


Half-Day Eco Rafting
This is our classic eco rafting trip on Grade 2-3 easy whitewater. It is ideal for first-timers, families, and veteran paddlers. We run a remote and pristine 22km section of the Upper Clutha Mata-Au River, with the easiest water first, before entering the swift but fun "Snake Rapids". Somewhere in the "Snake" we stop on the riverbank to pick Tea-Tree tea and boil the billy. We have time for native bird encounters and gold-panning, before running the "Pioneer Rapid" and the amazing "Devil's Nook" whirlpool.

Departs 1pm. Returns 5pm.
(Drive to river is 5 minutes, return drive is 15 minutes.)

Adult NZ$135. Child NZ$75. (Child is 15yrs or under. Minimum recommended age on this trip is 5yrs.)

Family / Group discounts available.

Minimum two persons to confirm.


Full-Day Eco Rafting
A mighty 45km journey, also Grade 2-3 but slightly more demanding. This is recommended for paddlers with some experience, though first-timers are welcome as part of a group. We run the "Snake Rapids" in the morning, pick Tea-Tree tea, and stop on an island for lunch (provided). Later we find time to fossick for quartz gold on one of the terraces. The whitewater becomes more challenging as we run "Hassing's Hole" and "Smokin' Joe's Rapid" at the entrance to the more peaceful Maori Gorge. 

Departs 10am. Returns 4.45pm.
(Drive to river is 5 minutes, return drive is 25 minutes.)

Adult NZ$185. Child NZ$95. (Child is 15yrs or under. Minimum recommended age on this trip is 12yrs.)

Family / Group discounts available.

Please note, minimum four persons to confirm.


Our Season
We run eco rafting adventures on the Upper Clutha Mata-Au, daily on demand, from September to April.


Age Range
The Half-Day trip is perfect for most ages. We have no age restrictions, and will take children as young as 5 years old, or sometimes younger if they are accustomed to boats or the outdoors. On the Full-Day trip we recommend a lower age of 12 years old. We have no upper age limit!


River Safety
Our first priority is always safety - there is no other option! Your Guide is a qualified Senior Raft Guide, has Swiftwater Rescue and Outdoor First-Aid certification, and is a member of the New Zealand Rafting Association.

Pioneer Rafting is a safety approved rafting operator certified by Maritime New Zealand, who undertake annual audits of our Safe Operational Plan. Our commitment to safety and our safe operational record is as good as it gets.

Every raft trip begins with a safety and familiarization briefing on the riverbank. Our aim is to ensure your safety and comfort, and to give you a reasonable understanding of the experience ahead.

For safety reasons, we reserve the right to cancel a raft trip due to adverse river, weather or road conditions, or insufficient bookings. While we have strict safety procedures, rafting still involves an element of risk, and the rafting operator cannot be held responsible for personal injury or for equipment lost or damaged.


Our Equipment
We use only legendary AVON Professional Riverboats - top quality expedition boats designed for high volume rivers, which we outfit with quality gear. We combine 3-metre Guide oars with client paddles for maximum manoeuvrability and fun. You choose how much to paddle! Our rowing-frames are custom designed and surpass anything we have seen elsewhere for strength and safety. We provide maximum flotation whitewater lifejackets with head support, and have sizes for all ages. Wetsuits are not provided or required, as they are uncomfortably hot in the summer heat. We provide quality dry-bags for your personal gear and cameras etc.


River Maps

Half-Day Map
Half-Day Map

Full-Day Map
Full-Day Map








© 2007 
PIONEER RAFTING  ~ original eco rafting adventures
Lake Wanaka 9343, Otago, New Zealand
ecoraft@xtra.co.nz