Packrafting New Zealand

This expedition was… epic.It all begins with a two day whitewater course that for the uninitiated [and even the initiated] puts you through your paces to prime you for the harder journey ahead. We were cold, wet, anxious and exhausted but loving it.The expedition begins on the back of tired muscles from the course and Arno clearly sets the expectations out in a non-nonsense but humorous way. He is the teacher, drill sargeant but also the mother hen and when you begin the expedition you can start to see why he stringently reinforces the need for both fitness and mental stamina!The subsequent expedition afforded the opportunity to build on your white water skills in a gorgeous backdrop of steep snow-capped mountains and glacier blue waters. The changing landscapes from rivers to lakes, estuaries, dunes and rainforest ensure that your eyes have so much to feast on. Your body is definitely very aware and deliciously sore as you traverse through these and pushes it to new limits you weren’t aware you had. The experience itself is most definitely challenging and fraught with moments where a small slip could spell danger but also some strangely serene moments of absolute stunning enmeshment with the Fiordlands. These moments in such a moody, mysterious but beautiful location created bonds and memories amongst our group which I absolutely cherish.So, for all curious about such an epic adventure consider yourself in for something truly special [very acceptable in Arno terms].

What an amazing day learning to Packraft!!! Thank you for a great day Arno, excellent teaching, fantastic kit and beautiful locations on the Waiau and Eglington rivers. The packrafts are very versatile and you'll rethink how you interact with rivers and lakes as well as the mountains. I'll definitely be back to do this again to develop my skills!!You've got to try this, it's not to be missed :)

I felt empowered and well prepared after completing the 2 day Packrafting course. Our solo trip was a great success thanks to Arno for sharing his skills, wisdom and passion for Packrafting with us.

Brilliant packraftting trip. We did 2 days training where we learned heaps about how to pack raft safely and efficiently. Then 5 days doing the hollyford Pyke loop in perfect conditions. Arno's knowledge is extensive and he is very friendly and helpful. Perfect trip. Highly recommended. Don't wing it... do this trip first.

The Hollyford loop with Arno and his skilled guides was wicked!!!! It was not by any means a walk in the park and required much effort on my end. You are required to paddle for 4-6 hours a day aswell as be fit enough to carry a heavy pack (20kg) over multiple kms aswell. A reasonable level of fitness and a POSITIVE mindset are required for this trip. The experience however is truly magnificent, challenging and exciting. Arno has built upon my skills and helped me become a safer and more efficient packrafter. I will definitely be back one day to run this loop with Arno again!Thanks Arno!!

Packrafting was one of the highlights of our holiday! I'd never been before and my wife and I signed up for the half day Discover Packrafting trip. Arno our guide was fantastic. He was great at explaining things and made the whole thing a lot of fun. Think I've found another hobby :).

Recently my friend and I did a two day training with Arno to prepare ourselves for packrafting the Hollyford Pyke loop. Arno taught us how to care for our packrafting equipment, use it effectively and also safety on the water. He also took the time to go through what we might encounter on the Hollyford Pyke river and how to navigate each day for the 5 day expedition. After two big days training with Arno we undertook the Hollyford Pyke circuit. The skills Arno taught us and the advice was a foundation that enabled our trip to be very successful. We were very grateful for his expertise. Thank you Arno!

I did the 2 day course followed by 5 day Hollyford-Pyke Loop in December and loved it. Arno is a great teacher and the scenery on the loop is breathtaking. Definitely not easy, he will make you work for it but 100% worthwhile

We had a great day out on two different rivers with sites you don't get to see unless on the water and in some cases in a pack raft in the shallow spots. Our guide Arno was great fun and added to the enjoyment of the experience. The day was a mixture between stunning scenic views and good old fashion kiwi adrenaline, going over rapids and traversing river canyons. This is the best way to explore the more unseen areas around Queenstown and Te Anau. Bring a sense of adventure!