3 Day Karamea River Expedition
a great wilderness adventure
remote. rugged. legendary.
The Karamea is one of New Zealand's last great rafting frontiers. This expedition takes you deep into Kahurangi National Park, where few people venture and the rapids are as wild as the landscape.
Fly in by helicopter, or take the optional two-day wilderness hike. From technical boulder gardens to the legendary 800m Roaring Lion rapid, it's challenging, remote and deeply rewarding. A true bucket-list trip.
your three days
Start high in the remote headwaters. The river winds through alpine forest past tranquil lakes formed by the 1929 Murchison earthquake, with technical Grade 3 to 4 boulder gardens. Camp near the Roaring Lion.
The most intense section: an 800m run of Class 5 drops, chutes and house-sized boulders. Each raft takes its turn while the crew gives safety support from shore, then it's a well-earned cruise to the next camp.
Enter the Karamea Gorge between towering granite walls for a rollercoaster of steep, chaotic rapids. The gorge opens out to the take-out, and we finish with a cold drink in Karamea.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- ∿Helicopter flight into the wilderness
- ∿All rafting and safety equipment
- ∿Camping gear (tents and sleeping mats)
- ∿All meals, snacks and hot drinks
- ∿Dry bags for your gear and sleeping kit
- ∿Expert guides and safety support
GOOD TO KNOW
- ∿Minimum age is 15 years
- ∿Good fitness and a sense of adventure needed
- ∿Groups of 6 or more
- ∿Optional two-day hike in instead of the helicopter
- ∿We'll send you a gear list when you book
experience the adventure
ready for the wild?
Tell us your group size and dates. Call 0800 748 377 or email