Packrafting is an exciting adventure sport where small, lightweight 1 or 2 person inflatable kayaks are used to descend rivers that might otherwise be difficult to access. The boats roll up and fit in a backpack allowing you to walk in to places that would be challenging to get to with traditional watercraft. Packrafts are also more stable than traditional whitewater kayaks.
We are a new business starting operations in January 2026 offering packrafting and kayaking guiding and instruction based out of Hokitika NZ. Come join us for a scenic float or a wild ride and witness the power of the West Coast rivers. We have organised tours running regularly or can offer bespoke services, please get in touch!
What's it Like? - Read our reviews
Monica Morela
2026-04-01
This was the best day trip of my New Zealand trip! Troy was an excellent guide and teacher as well as a fun person to be around. We had amazing scenic views all throughout the rafting/hike. And as a beginner rafter (and slightly nervous), I felt well taken care of. This was just a super fun experience and I would highly recommend this company and crew to anyone.
Sam Costigan
2026-03-31
We had an awesome time on the intermediate packrafting course with Sandra and Troy! They are incredibly knowledgeable and were immediately able to give some great advice specific to our double packraft. I highly recommend a trip with West Coast Packrafting, it's an awesome way to spend time in some beautiful parts of the country with great people!
Alex Loyale
2026-03-31
Just finished an Intermediate Course (Styling Not Surviving) with them and honestly, couldn't recommend them more. Absolutely fantastic humans with heaps heaps of knowledge. After doing one kayak beginners course and one packrafting beginners course, and a 5 day meet-up, this was the perfect segway. I left much more confident and excited about future adventures. And will hopefully book another course or adventure with them. West Coasts must do!
ken jackson
2026-03-30
Last weekend I participated in their 2 day Styling Not Surviving packrafting course. Sandra and Troy really know how to relate to people. Putting new skills into practice was made much easier by their clear, top quality teaching skills and the progression from easier to harder river conditions of the paddling programme. I came away with new skills and a head full of knowledge which have pushed my paddling to a new level of ability and confidence. And it was FUN at the same time. We had a fantastic group. No big egos. I can't recommend West Coast Packrafting enough and wish them every success. Money and time VERY well spent.
Casi Agnew
2026-03-30
A Fun Day Out! An easy walk in with our packs before stopping and having a safety brief and inflating the pack rafts. Steady flow on the river, with enough rapids to satisfy everyone. Sandra and Troy are the business with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We stopped for a great lunch along the way with good company. I highly recommend this adventure down a pristine West Coast river and finishing the day floating through the Hokitika Gorge. Come on West Coasters, you won't regret giving this a whirl!
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