Rangitikei River Explorer

Season:1st November to 31st March

Totally immerse yourself in nature – a six-night multi-day rafting and riverside camping holiday on the Rangitikei River, finishing with 1 night stay at Rathmoy Lodge.

Duration: 5 Days And 6 Nights

$2600

PER ADULT*

*$100 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

$1500

PER CHILD

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Please note: This trip requires a minimum of 4 adult fares to run. If you are a solo, please contact us to join an existing trip.

Totally immerse yourself in nature – a six-night multi-day rafting and riverside camping holiday on the Rangitikei River, finishing with 1 night stay at Rathmoy Lodge

The canyons of the Rangitikei River offers some of the most beautiful river scenery of any river in New Zealand, including better known names such as the Whanganui or Clarence. And yet, for the most part only a select lucky few venture to truly explore it.

It has always been somewhat of a mystery to us why this has been the case.

We realised there were probably two reasons for this.

1/. People are not aware of the beauty of this river
OR
2/. They are aware, but don’t know how to access it

If you have ever wanted to really know what lies in that spectacular river canyon that you only occasionally glimpse while traveling on SH1, then this is the trip for you.

The Rangitikei River Explorer, is a river expedition that allows you to access the canyon, and lets you see the beauty of this unique waterway

You will encounter few (if any) people as you take in how the canyon walls rise dramatically from the river, appreciate clear fresh water, and relax at camp sites that are quiet and secluded.

Unlike most multi day river trips, this particular trip has a mix of camping and staying at beautiful riverside Lodges.

Who is The Rangitikei River Explorer For?

This trip is especially for you if you have a desire to explore this river, discover some of the seldom visited scenic highlights just short walks from the water, and relax into “river” time.

A Rangitikei River Explorer is ideal for older family groups or groups of mature friends who want adventure and time out together. There is a minimum age of 10 years.

How Much Time do I Need to Allow?

The Rangitikei River Explorer is five days on the river, with four nights camping on the river in some idyllic camping spots. The night before departure is spent at River Valley Lodge in deluxe guest room accommodation.

80 km downstream at Rathmoy Lodge is where we spend the last night together. We will have a farewell dinner before heading back to River Valley Lodge the following morning.

What Route Does the Trip Take?

The Rangitikei River Explorer starts from the Lodge and travels downstream, ending at Rathmoy Lodge, a distance of 80 km

Rapids are generally no more than Grade 2, except for two just downstream from River Valley Lodge that go to Grade 3 and may be portaged. All the rest are just good fun.

The scenery changes day by day and hour by hour, from tight boxlike papa (mudrock) gorges, to native bush lined shores, to patches of more open farmland.

Where Do We Stay Each Night?

The Rangitikei River Explorer is a whitewater rafting, camping and Lodge based trip. We would urge you not to be put off by the camping compnent. Camping equipment and comfort has come a long way over the last few years.

While enjoying the beauty of each campsite, you will be able to sit in a chair around a crackling campfire, eat food worthy of a restaurant, and sleep in fully waterproof tents on extra thick sleeping pads.

What Sort of Boats Do You Travel In?

This trip is run in a mixture of rafts and for those wishing a little more excitement, inflatable kayaks. You can of course swap around and have a turn in both.

What Happens at the End of the Trip?

We stay the final night at Rathmoy Lodge. The following morning you can either be shuttled back to River Valley Lodge, or if required, your vehicles may be shuttled to the trip end point.

If this trip does not suit your requirements, you may wish to search for a more suitable rafting trip here

What is Included:

6 x Breakfasts
5 x Lunches
6 x Dinners
1 x night in a deluxe ensuite guest room (double or twin share) at River Valley Lodge
4 Nights/5 days camping on the river
1 x night in a deluxe guest room at Rathmoy Lodge