Multi-Day River Expeditions
Extended wilderness adventures on the Waiau Toa / Clarence River
2-6 days
12+ years
Grade II-IV
POA - Custom pricing
True Wilderness Expeditions
Our multi-day trips offer the ultimate Waiau Toa / Clarence River experience. Leave civilization behind and immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of the Kaikōura backcountry. These expeditions are for those seeking adventure, solitude, and a deeper connection with New Zealand's wild rivers.
Unlike our half-day trips, multi-day expeditions take you into remote sections of the river system rarely seen by others. Camp on secluded river beaches, wake to birdsong, and experience the river's changing moods as you journey downstream over multiple days.
🏕️ Expedition Style Camping
Experience true wilderness camping on pristine river beaches. We provide all camping equipment, gourmet camp meals, and expert guides who are equally skilled at river navigation and backcountry living. Fall asleep to the sound of the river and wake to spectacular mountain views.
Available Expeditions
6-Day Waiau Toa / Clarence Expedition
Slower river flows · Shorter days
- More relaxed pace — extra day to savour each section
- More time for swimming, fishing, and exploring side streams
- Adult: $2,250 per person
- Child (16 and under): $1,600 per person
What to expect:
- Full top-of-river start — maximum river distance
- Grade II-IV rapids through remote wilderness
- Five nights wilderness camping on river beaches
- Deep gorges and dramatic backcountry landscapes
- Earthquake geology and uplift features
- Fishing opportunities (permit required)
- Wildlife spotting — falcons, paradise ducks, eels
Price: From $1,600 per person
5-Day Waiau Toa / Clarence Expedition
Faster river flows · Longer days
- More dynamic, exhilarating water
- More time on the water each day
- Adult: $2,150 per person
- Child (16 and under): $1,500 per person
We begin our journey in the heart of historic Molesworth Station, at the confluence of the Waiau Toa / Clarence and Acheron Rivers — 700 metres above sea level, 190 km from the sea. From here, everything we need is carried with us as the river begins its long push to the Pacific Ocean.
We travel from deep inland, tucked between the St James and Hanmer ranges, heading north-east toward the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, explore the open tussock lands of Molesworth Station, three spectacular gorges of twisted rock strata interspersed with unique open braided river sections. The highest mountains north of Aoraki / Mt Cook cast shadows around you, including the peak of Tapuae-O-Uenuku — the Watcher.
Drift through remote high country stations, remarkable geology, and the conservation park Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia (Clarence Reserve) — with its re-establishing bush and ancient stands of podocarp forest.
Each evening we set up camp beside the river — every campsite has its own unique character. Enjoy the company and knowledge of our guides, who guide by day and then show their cooking skills around the campfire as the sun sets over distant hills. We use seasonal local foods from the gardens and farms of local producers: the cuisine, wine, and seafood that Marlborough and the Kaikōura Coast are known for. From fresh-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.
Suitable for any active person of moderate fitness. Minimum age 5, maximum age 103.
- A very popular family activity — something every age group will enjoy
- Trampers and climbers who want the wilderness without carrying a pack
- Tramping clubs, book clubs, community groups from all over New Zealand
- A stunning way to celebrate — 50th birthdays, anniversaries, friend reunions
- Ticked off the Otago Rail Trail or paddled the Whanganui? Come try the Waiau Toa / Clarence
- Botanists, geologists, birders, and photographers — this valley has a lot to offer
- Kayakers who want to bring non-kayaking friends along for the journey
- Those who love adventure and campfires but also appreciate wine glasses and wild New Zealand cuisine
- Spring: Higher river flows make on-river days relaxed. Nesting birds, snow-capped mountains.
- Summer: Lower, warmer water — perfect for swimming. Special valley plants in flower.
- Autumn: Clear, calm weather. Cooling temperatures and stunning colours.
Each season offers a different mood. We can't control the weather and don't want to — pick a time that suits your style and enjoy the wilderness.
Meet at our base and transfer to the put-in at the confluence of the Waiau Toa / Clarence and Acheron Rivers in the heart of Molesworth Station. Launch into open tussock country with wide braided channels. First camp on a river beach beneath the big inland sky.
Continue through the open braids of Molesworth, with Tapuae-O-Uenuku and the St James Range overhead. Begin the transition into the first of three spectacular gorges — twisted rock strata, technical rapids, and canyon walls.
Through the heart of the Clarence Reserve (Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia) — ancient podocarp stands, re-establishing native bush, and some of the best geology on the river. Remote high country stations flank the valley. A full day in true wilderness.
The river broadens and the Seaward Kaikōura Range comes into view. Earthquake-uplifted terraces, dramatic fault scarps, and the changing character of the lower valley. More opportunities for swimming, fishing, and exploring side streams.
The final push to the Pacific Ocean. The river meets the sea at the Clarence River mouth — a remote and dramatic finish to 190 km of wilderness travel. Transfer back to base.
Price: From $1,500 per person
4-Day Waiau Toa / Clarence Expedition
A great option for family groups and those wanting a more leisurely pace. We begin with a helicopter flight from Kaikōura Airport over the spectacular Seaward Kaikōura Range, landing at Quail Flat. Here we meet our rafts and begin our journey through the open braids deep in Muzzle Station country before entering the Sawtooth Gorge. Covering approximately 110 km of river, there's still plenty of time to experience the stunning country of the Clarence Valley without the pressure of long daily distances. Same delicious food and wine, same knowledge as our longer trips.
Please note: the helicopter is weather dependent and can occasionally run into departure delays.
Highlights:
- Helicopter flight from Kaikōura Airport over the Seaward Kaikōura Range
- Put-in at Quail Flat — deep in Muzzle Station country
- Approximately 110 km river journey
- Open braids through remote high country before the Sawtooth Gorge
- Three nights wilderness camping on river beaches
- Grade II-IV rapids — more technical and exciting water
- Earthquake geology and uplift features
- Fishing opportunities (permit required)
- Wildlife spotting — falcons, paradise ducks, eels
Pricing:
- Adult: $1,960 per person
- Child (16 and under): $1,500 per person
Price: From $1,500 per person
3-Day Waiau Toa / Clarence Expedition
One of the best things you could do for a long weekend — and a fantastic introduction to multi-day wilderness adventures. The river section starts at Dart Stream, accessed by helicopter from Clarence over the Seaward Kaikōura Range and down into the beginning of the Sawtooth Gorge. From there we take three leisurely days to float out to the ocean, covering the last 80 km of the river. Same delicious food and wine, same knowledge as our longer trips — just without the time pressure.
Please note: the helicopter is weather dependent and can occasionally run into departure delays.
Highlights:
- Helicopter flight from Clarence over the Seaward Kaikōura Range
- Put-in at Dart Stream — beginning of the Sawtooth Gorge
- 80 km river journey to the ocean
- Two nights wilderness camping on river beaches
- Grade II-III rapids — relaxed pacing, no downstream time pressure
- Earthquake geology and landscape interpretation
- Fishing opportunities (permit required)
- Wildlife spotting — falcons, paradise ducks, eels
Pricing:
- Adult: $1,700 per person
- Child (16 and under): $1,400 per person
Price: From $1,400 per person
2-Day Waiau Toa / Clarence Expedition
The perfect introduction to multi-day rafting on the Waiau Toa / Clarence. One night of riverside camping with approximately 30–35 km of river, including sections with more technical rapids and pristine wilderness.
Day 1:
- Morning departure and shuttle to put-in
- 4–5 hours of rafting through varied terrain
- Set up camp on a secluded river beach
- Riverside dinner and evening by the campfire
Day 2:
- Breakfast and break camp
- 3–4 hours of rafting to take-out
- Lunch on the river or at base
- Return shuttle (arrive back early afternoon)
Price: POA
Custom Expedition
Most of our trips are group bookings. With a minimum of 6 people you can embark on your own private wilderness adventure and enjoy our stunning river valleys. Get in touch if a private booking suits your group.
Trip variations:
Group-guided
Have a go at guiding a raft under the supervision of one of our guides. We can offer a training session prior to the trip if you are unsure of your skills. Available on any of our trips — multi-day or half-day.
Self-catered
Same trip, same equipment, same guides — but you supply the food and do the cooking. Available for group bookings only.
Overnight trip
Well suited to families with younger children. Subject to accessibility — give us a call to discuss details.
Longer, shorter, or fully custom
Take 6 or more days, drive the Molesworth, have a rest day in the middle, explore side valleys, climb one of the peaks, or stay a night at Muzzle Station. If the river is high a shorter trip is possible too. If you have specific interests or ideas, contact us and we'll help make them reality.
Customisation options:
- Trip duration — longer, shorter, or something entirely different
- Start dates and flexible scheduling
- Activity focus — photography, fishing, geology, adventure
- Catering — we cater or you self-cater
- Shuttle or helicopter access to put-in
- Muzzle Station overnight stay
- Molesworth drive combination
Price: POA — contact us to discuss your group and dates
What's Included
- All rafting equipment (rafts, paddles, safety gear)
- Wetsuits and appropriate clothing
- All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags)
- All meals from lunch Day 1 to lunch final day
- Experienced river guides and camp crew
- Transport to put-in and from take-out
- Waterproof bags and barrels for personal gear
- First aid and emergency communication equipment
What to Bring
Essential Gear
- Quick-dry clothing (layers)
- Warm fleece or jacket for evenings
- Rain jacket (waterproof)
- River shoes (secure footwear)
- Sunhat and sunglasses with strap
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Personal medication
- Headlamp or torch
Optional Items
- Fishing gear (permit required)
- Camera (waterproof recommended)
- Book or journal
- Binoculars
- Personal snacks
- Insect repellent
We'll provide a detailed packing list upon booking.
Important Information
⚠️ Experience Level
Multi-day trips are more physically demanding than our half-day trips. Participants should be comfortable with:
- Multiple hours of paddling each day
- Camping in remote locations
- No shower or phone signal for the duration
- Carrying personal gear to/from rafts
- Potentially challenging weather conditions
🏊 Swimming Ability Required
All participants must be confident swimmers. Remote locations mean rescue is more challenging, so swimming ability is essential for multi-day trips.
📅 Booking & Planning
Multi-day trips require advance booking (minimum 2 weeks, preferably longer). We need time to prepare food, organize equipment, check river conditions, and ensure DOC permits are in place. Peak season (Dec-Jan) books out early.
🌡️ Weather Dependent
Multi-day trips are more weather-dependent than day trips. If conditions are unsafe, we may need to postpone or modify your trip. We'll stay in close contact as your departure date approaches.
Plan Your Multi-Day Adventure
Contact us to discuss your expedition