Multi-Day River Expeditions
Wilderness adventures on the Waiau Toa / Clarence River
A wilderness adventure for the whole family
We begin our journey in the heart of the historic Molesworth Station, at the confluence of the Waiau Toa/Clarence and Acheron rivers. Downstream of this point vehicle access is extremely limited. Everything we need is carried with us and our river starts its long push to the sea, taking us along for the journey.
Each evening we set up camp beside the river. Every campsite has a different unique character. Enjoy the company and knowledge of our guides, who guide by day but also display their cooking skills around the campfire as the sun sets over the distant hills.
We can't tell you what we will be preparing as it's different each trip. We want our food to be remembered as one of the highlights of our trips, and wherever possible we use seasonal local foods from the gardens and farms of local producers. The cuisine that Marlborough and the Kaikōura coast are known for - our wine and seafood - is what we aim to include in our trips. From freshly roasted local coffee to green lip mussels and Marlborough whites, food is our thing.
This is your river, this is our home. Let us show you what Aotearoa is made of.
Beneath Tapuae-O-Uenuku
Float through spectacular gorges of twisted rock strata
Fun bouncy grade II rapids through remote backcountry rarely seen by anyone else.
Travel through country rarely seen by others
Fly in over the Seaward Kaikōura Range and land at Quail Flat.
Guides by day, chefs by night.
Each evening, camp on a secluded river bank
A true wilderness journey the whole family can share.
3–6 Days
Duration
5+ Years
Age
Grade II+
River grade
$1,800 pp
From
Choose Your Expedition
Four ways to experience the river. Tap a trip for the summary.
The Full River — 5–6 Days
We begin at 700m above sea level and travel roughly 190 km all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way explore the open tussock lands of Molesworth Station, three spectacular gorges of twisted rock strata interspersed with unique and open braided river sections. The highest mountains north of Aoraki (Mt Cook) cast shadows over us, including the peak of Tapuae-o-Uenuku (The Watcher). Drift through remote high country stations, amazing geology and the conservation park Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia (Clarence Reserve) with its establishing bush and ancient great stands of podocarp forest.
- Start at the Acheron confluence, deep in Molesworth Station
- 190 km of wilderness river to the sea
- 4–5 nights camping on secluded river beaches
- Road shuttle to the put-in
Our full river journey from September until December is 5 days. From January on we change to 6 days to allow for the typically lower river volume and shortening days as the season changes.
Full trip details →Heli Rafting — 4 Days
We begin by taking a helicopter from Kaikōura over the spectacular Seaward Kaikōura Range and land at Quail Flat. Here we meet our rafts and begin our journey through the open braids deep in Muzzle Station country, before entering Sawtooth Gorge. We raft approximately 110kms and remove a lot of the time pressure to get downstream - but still have the opportunity to see much of the stunning country that lies in the Clarence Valley.
- Helicopter flight from Kaikōura Airport
- Put-in at Quail Flat — 110 km of river
- 3 nights camping on river beaches
- A more leisurely pace — great for families
Helicopter is weather dependent and can occasionally run into departure delays.
Full trip details →Heli rafting — 3 Days
The perfect long weekend - We take a helicopter from Clarence, which pops us over the Seaward Kaikōura Range and down to the beginning of Sawtooth Gorge, where we begin our rafting from the Dart Stream. We take a leisurely three days to float out to the ocean, covering the last 80kms of river. This is a great trip for families, the time poor or as an introduction to multi-day rafting.
- Helicopter flight from Clarence to Dart Stream
- 80 km river journey to the sea
- 2 nights camping on river beaches
- Same food, wine and guiding as the longer trips
Helicopter is weather dependent and can occasionally run into departure delays.
Full trip details →Custom & Private Trips
Your own private wilderness adventure. With a minimum of six people we can tailor a trip to your group — longer, shorter, self-catered, guide training, or something completely bespoke.
- Private bookings for groups of 6+
- Duration and start dates to suit you
- We cater, or self-cater — your choice
- Shuttle or helicopter access
A dedicated custom page is coming soon — for now, get in touch and we’ll build it with you.
Enquire about a custom trip →What Every Expedition Includes
We provide all rafting gear and any camping gear you may require. All the kitchen and dining supplies are carried for the group - all you need to sort is yourself! A complete client gear list will be sent to you after booking.
Included on every trip
- All rafting & safety equipment
- All camping gear — tents, mats, sleeping bags, dry bags
- All meals from lunch day one to lunch on the final day
- Experienced river guides
- Transport to the put-in and from the take-out
- First aid and emergency communications
Good to know
- Suitable for active people of moderate fitness, ages 5+
- Remote wilderness: no shower or phone signal
- Advance booking essential (min 2 weeks; peak season earlier)
- Weather dependent — we stay in close contact before departure
Plan Your Multi-Day Adventure
Get in touch to talk through dates, group size and the right trip for you.
Get in Touch