Landsborough Wilderness River Rafting

Raft the Shotover River - 3 days

A unique outdoors experience. The Landsborough is one of New Zealand's most isolated specially protected valleys, untouched, unspoiled, visited by only a privileged few. Rafting almost becomes secondary to the experience of being part of a small group alone in this stirring wilderness. The river flows almost 70kms from high alpine areas on the boundary of the Mt Cook National Park, to its confluence with the Haast River, in South Westland.

The river trip begins in the very heart of this wilderness country. Floating silently near glaciers, 10 000ft mountains, and through native beech forest seeing many varieties of native birds is all a part of this unique experience. The Landsborough has good water levels throughout the summer, although higher levels are experienced during the spring thaw (November-December). This river is a rafter's dream with many rapids, narrow gorges, great campsites and magnificent scenery.

No rafting experience is required, just a sense of adventure to explore the splendour of a remote mountain valley in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

This is very much a wilderness expedition and we are at the mercy of the weather. Please don't schedule your holiday too tightly around the Landsborough trip. Allow at least 24 hours flexibility on confirmed bookings after this trip to allow for delays.

Queenstown Rafting is New Zealand's major rafting company. We have invested heavily in equipment and training. We are the only rafting operator to be recognised for our commitment to quality by winning a prestigious New Zealand Tourism Award.

LANDSBOROUGH WILDERNESS RIVER RAFTING 3 DAYS

(available in summer months, 1 November through 31 March)
This river is unique, running 60kms parallel to the Southern Alps before meeting the sea at Haast in South Westland. It's upper reaches are protected wilderness and provide spectacular glaciers, bush, river and mountain scenery.

Includes:

• Transfer from hotel to Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre
• Scenic drive through the spectacular Southern Lakes region, past Lakes Wakatipu, Wanaka & Hawea, and over the Haast Pass
• Helicopter or fixed wing flight up the Landsborough Valley
• Rafting Grade 2-4+ rapids
• Overnight camps, with tent accommodation
• Meals included on river and at camp
• Full wetsuit rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
• Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques, senior qualified guides, safety kayaker and radio contact with our Queenstown base
• Transfer/Return to Queenstown

Price & Duration:

• $NZ 1,195.00 per person -- 3 days/2 nights

Timetable:

• Summer only (1 December  through 31 March)
• Departures every Tuesday
• Depart 8.30am - Return 7.00pm approx

Departure Point:

• Hotel pick ups
• Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre, 35 Shotover St, Queenstown

Equipment Supplied:

• All rafting equipment, clothing and transport (including wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit booties and a life jacket)
• Camping equipment and meals

Client Information:

• Swimsuit and towel necessary
• Bring a sleeping bag or these may be hired
• Toiletries
• We do not recommend valuables be brought along (i.e., passports/travellers cheques/jewellery, etc.)
• No responsibility is taken for clients’ belongings
• Rafting is not available to children aged under 15 years

Cancellation Policy:

• Must be notified 28 days prior to trip departure, otherwise no refund given
• Trips may be cancelled or subject to delay due to group size, weather or river conditions

River Conditions:

• The Landsborough River varies in difficulty according to river levels. Spring river levels are generally higher due to snow melt (Oct-Nov). Please call if you are unsure of client suitability.

Prices valid from 01 October 2007 - 30 September 2008