Day tour · Upper Grey / Māwheranui
Grey Wilderness Raft 1 Day Tour
Our most popular trip - a full day of Grade 3 rapids through beech forest and steep gorges, finishing in the spectacular Gentle Annie. No experience needed.
Where You'll Be
The Grey / Māwheranui rises in the Southern Alps at Lake Christabel and runs 120 kilometres through beech forest, steep gorges and farmland before it meets the Tasman Sea at Greymouth. On this full-day trip we raft the stunning upper section known as the Gentle Annie. Much of it can only be reached by boat - so you'll be one of the few people who ever see it.
- Duration7 hours back around 4pm
- GradeGrade 3
- Minimum age10 years
- Price$280 Adult $240 Child (10–18 yrs)
- LocationUpper Grey River / Māwheranui near Reefton & Greymouth
- Pick-up9:00am Reefton, or 9:20am Ikamatua
The Experience
It's no surprise this is our most popular tour. The Grade 3 rapids keep you entertained all day, and between them there are towering mountains, steep-walled gorges and lush native forest - the trip is packed with scenery from start to finish. No previous experience is required; our guides teach you everything you need to know. More about the Upper Grey / Māwheranui →
How the Day Runs
We meet at 9:00am in Reefton (or 9:20am at Ikamatua) and drive about forty minutes to the river - most of it through native beech forest, so there's no doubting where you are. At the river you'll change into the rafting gear we provide, and a full safety briefing comes before we hit the water.
The first few minutes are very calm, which is a good chance to get used to a paddle in your hands. Then we turn the corner out of the wide valley and the hills tighten up: steep slopes in rich, varied greens - moss, beech and fern, with towering mountains behind. We still can't decide whether it's more beautiful on a clear day or a misty one. Past the tall waterfall we've nicknamed the Lady of the Grey, the rock-garden section begins, and with it the biggest water of the day - Double Rock, then Annie's Waves, a fun-filled gentle roller coaster that carries us all the way to lunch.
After a picnic on the riverbank it's back into the rafts for the afternoon. A few more entertaining rapids, and then the Gentle Annie Gorge: a spectacular steep-walled canyon, and an amazing way to finish. On a hot day you can slide out of the raft and float through it on your back - or stay aboard the whole way, entirely up to you. Then it's dry clothes and a twenty-minute drive back, arriving around 4pm with time for any onward travel.
Highlights: Wide-valley Warm Up · Lady of the Grey · Rock-Garden Section · Double Rock · Annie's Waves · Gentle Annie Gorge
Food & Drinks
A picnic lunch on the riverbank and hot drinks are supplied. Bring your own favourite snacks too, and let us know in advance if anyone in the group has particular dietary needs.
What We Supply & What to Bring
We supply:
- Helmet, life jacket, wetsuit, splash jacket and thermal top
- Water shoes and small dry bags (for sunscreen etc.)
- A picnic lunch and hot drinks
Please bring:
- A towel and a change of dry clothes
- Swimwear or underwear to go under the wetsuit
- Sunscreen and any personal medication (e.g. asthma inhaler)
Is this trip right for me?
- Best for: anyone who wants real Grade 3 rapids and wilderness scenery in a single day - our most popular trip for a reason.
- Activity level: moderate - a full, active day on the water, but our guides do the hard reading of the river.
- Experience: none needed; a full safety and paddle briefing comes first.
- Age: 10 years and up.
- Younger kids, or want longer? The Arnold ½ Day suits ages 5 and up, and the Grey 2 Day or 3 Day adds nights camping on the river.
Safety
Your safety is our priority. Inland Adventures operates under a Department of Conservation concession and complies with the WorkSafe Adventure Activities Regulations, audited annually by AdventureMark. Every trip begins with a comprehensive safety and paddle briefing, and our guides look after you on the water.
"An awesome day out for all ages."
Nathan - River Guide
