Access Guide

Full details on the Hokitika Gorge Thrill-Seeker's Tour can be found on the linked page.  This includes photos and videos of the activity site along with timings, meeting points and what to expect throughout the tour.

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Packrafting as a sport involves sitting in an inflatable kayak (individual or tandem) and using a double-bladed paddle to propel the boat forward and control its direction.  In an individual boat participants are fully in control of their own craft and guides are present in a separate craft to direct and assist.  In a tandem boat the person in the rear of the boat generally has more control of the direction and steering and the person in the bow can add power.  A competent paddler/guide can control a tandem packraft without the need for the front person to paddle. At times, packrafts may capsize and participants will end up swimming in the river.  In this instance guides will either help participants back into their packrafts from the water or assist them in getting to the river bank and re-entering the boat from there. 

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The Hokitika River consists of rapids that are rated Class II on the international grading scale for rivers and participants can expect to encounter regular medium-sized waves of up to a metre, small drops or ledges, eddies and river bends and a route that is generally easy to recognise.  At times rapids may be run one-at-a-time for safety under the direction of the guide.

- We have a minimum weight of 30kg and a maximum weight of 136kg which is dictated by the parameters of our equipment.  If providing your own equipment please consult with us around suitability.

- All participants must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and Helmet, linked are the models we use.  Participants may provide their own PFD/Helmet if they meet our requirements, please consult with us before booking.  Wetsuits or other thermal protection e.g. drysuits/dry tops are required when air temperature is below 20 deg C, but recommended at all times.

- For Class I and II participants must be able to float on their back with their head above water and feet on the surface whilst wearing a PFD

- For Class III and above swimming ability is required

- Full terms and conditions including fitness requirements can be found here. If you would like more detailed information from our Standard Operating Procedures e.g. around equipment suitability please get in touch.

Our tours are delivered in English, a Spanish speaking guide is also available on request.  We use hand signals to communicate intentions on the water where guide and client may be out of voice range.  Understanding of one or both of these methods should enable a safe trip.​

​​Hokitika (Hokitika Gorge Thrill-Seeker's Tour)

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For our Hokitika Trips clients can choose to meet us at the Hokitika Gorge Car Park or be picked up from Hokitika Township and driven out to the gorge.  We are looking at purchasing a vehicle for these pick-ups before next operating season and will update this page with exact details once it has been purchased, but it will most likely be a Toyota Hiace minibus or similar.  We anticipate the shuttle vehicle to be suitable for those able to self-transfer or needing a small amount of assistance from staff. 

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Walking access to where we enter the river involves carrying a ~10kg pack for approximately 1.5hrs along a 4WD track followed by river-bed travel on rough boulders.  Whilst there is little gradient on the walk it is uneven, muddy and wet.

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The usual egress spot is a rocky beach near the exit of the Hokitika Gorge.  This is followed by a short 3-5min walk along the riverbed and through a forested track up to the main road to Hokitika gorge.

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It is possible to access the entry point for this trip via Helicopter using Precision Helicopters whose base is ~2min drive from the main Hokitika Gorge carpark and the egress of the river.

At the Hokitika Gorge Car Park there are flush and portaloo toilets including wash-basins and an accessible toilet (see photos).  After leaving the car park we are reliant on 'facili-trees' using nature as a toilet and following leave-no-trace waste disposal principles.  There are no changing facilities at the entry point although a degree of privacy can be obtained by using the bush for shelter.  ​​

Our maximum group size on this trip is 6 clients accompanied by 2 guides, meaning a 3:1 client to guide ratio. It is possible to have an additional guide available to support individuals or to paddle a double packraft with a client, this will likely incur an extra cost.  It is also possible to book a private trip from 1 to 8 clients, please contact us in this instance.

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The river environment can provide new and exciting sensory experiences, some things to be aware of are:

- You will get wet and likely have wet clothing touching your skin for a prolonged amount of time (possibly up to 2 hours). 

- The river water can be cold and although wetsuits and splash jackets are provided clients may want to consider extra insulating layers such as thermals, merino or fleece layers.  Cotton clothing is strongly discouraged. 

- The sun in New Zealand is strong and the UV can cause sunburn very rapidly here...sunscreen or covering up with long-sleeves is highly recommended, if wearing sunglasses or prescription glasses on the river it is recommended to bring 'chums' or another form of attaching your glasses so as not to lose them.

- Whitewater rapids can be loud as the water rushes over rocks and forms waves and holes.  This may make it more difficult to hear instructions which is one reason why we use hand signals often to communicate on the river.  In contrast the flat or gently moving sections can be very peaceful and quiet.

- Hokitika Gorge is a popular tourist destination and as such can be crowded particularly during peak season.  This is mainly at the car-park where the tour starts and finishes, the track we use to access the river is not often busy and the river itself is very quiet.  If the crowds at the carpark are likelyy to cause difficulties it is possible to park at the Whitcombe Valley Carpark instead which is much quieter but has a rougher access road with potholes and a ford.

Listed below are some examples of assistance we are able to provide.  If what you need is not listed or you have further questions, please get in touch.

- Pre-activity information or discussion around access requirements.  Available via email, phone-call or video-chat (or in-person if you're on the Coast already!).

- Advanced check-in.  Arrive early to a tour to allow time for personalised safety briefings, transfer assistance or familiarisation.

- Private trips (may incur an extra fee depending on numbers and requirements).

- Extra guides are available for individual support either in a separate single boat or to paddle in a tandem packraft.  This will incur an extra charge and will be in addition to the group guide.

- Alternative entry and egress points to the river, or alternative rivers.

- Transfer assistance to/from packraft and/or vehicles.  As yet our guides have no specific transfer training but we may be able to offer some level of assistance.  Please reach out to us to discuss specific information around your requirements.​