Multi-day · Upper Grey / Māwheranui
Grey Wilderness Raft 2 Day Adventure
An overnight wilderness rafting and camping journey - beech forest, steep-walled gorges, rugged mountains and fun Grade 3 rapids. No experience needed.
Where You'll Be
The Upper Grey / Māwheranui runs through remote West Coast backcountry near Reefton and Greymouth - country you can only reach from the river. Over two days you'll paddle entertaining rapids, drift through native beech forest, camp on the riverbank, and finish through the breathtaking Gentle Annie Gorge. It suits anyone comfortable with a full, active day outdoors and keen for a night under canvas - first-timers included.
- Duration2 days, 1 night
- GradeGrade 3
- Minimum age10 years
- Price$800 Adult $700 Child (10–18 yrs)
- LocationUpper Grey River / Māwheranui near Reefton & Greymouth
- Pick-up9:00am Reefton or Springs Junction
The Experience
With beech trees crowding right down to the water, you know you're on the West Coast from the first paddle stroke. Over two days you'll run entertaining Grade 2–3 rapids, drift through steep-walled gorges, camp beside the river, and finish through the breathtaking Gentle Annie Gorge - country most people never see, because the only way in is by river. More about the Upper Grey / Māwheranui →
Day by Day
Two days on the water, a night camped on the riverbank - here's how the journey unfolds. Open a day for the full run-down.
Day One - Onto the River
We start at 9am in Reefton and drive about an hour to the river. Stow your camp clothes in dry bags, pull on the river gear we provide, and after a full safety briefing we're away - no experience needed, the guides teach you everything first. The opening stretch is all rocks to read and manoeuvre around, with beech forest right down to the water for the first few kilometres. Before lunch we push through some fun rapids including the Log Jam, then the valley opens out to easy Grade 2 water - look back upstream for a cracking view of Mt Rameses, towering 1,453m above the river. Late afternoon we make camp on the river's edge: dinner over the open fire and a few laughs before bed.
Highlights: Beech-lined Narrows · The Log Jam · Wide-valley Grade 2 · Mt Rameses (1,453m)
Day Two - The Gorges
After a hearty breakfast the river really comes alive. The hills tighten in for the rock-garden section, the slopes around you a magical mix of moss, beech and fern. We float past the tall waterfall we've nicknamed the Lady of the Grey, then meet the biggest water of the trip - Double Rock and Annie's Waves, a wave-chain that rolls us along like a gentle roller coaster to lunch. The finish is the showpiece: the Gentle Annie Gorge, a steep-walled canyon reachable only by river - and then a second gorge, just as stunning. On a hot day they're perfect for a swim and a float through the deep pools. We're back in Reefton around 4pm.
Highlights: Rock-Garden Section · Lady of the Grey · Double Rock · Annie's Waves · Twin Gentle Annie Gorges
Camping, Food & Gear
Each night we pick a campsite with stunning views. While we get dinner on, you can swim, try your luck with a fishing rod, chat with the guides, or just sit back and take it in. All meals are included - two lunches, a hearty campfire dinner, and breakfast in the morning.
More on Camping & Food
We carry and set up all the camping gear - tent and mattress included; a sleeping bag can be hired for $40 if you'd rather travel light. Some on-river snacks are supplied, but bring your own favourites too. Have special dietary needs or strong preferences? Let us know in advance and we'll sort it. You're welcome to bring wine or beer for the evening at camp - cans or plastic bottles please, no glass.
What We Supply
- Helmet
- Life jacket
- Wetsuit
- Splash jacket
- Thermal top
- Wetsuit socks
- Tent
- Sleeping mat
- Small dry bag for sunscreen etc
- Big dry bag for camping gear etc
We carry everything with us on the rafts so make sure you have enough clothing to keep warm but please don't pack the kitchen sink!
What To Bring
For Camping
- Sleeping bag (supplied on request, $40 hire fee)
- Pants
- Warm top layer i.e. Fleece jersey
- Warm under layer i.e. Thermal
- T-shirt
- Underwear (enough to last the trip)
- Warm hat
- Raincoat
- Small torch
- Shoes and socks
- Towel
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries
For the River
- Swimwear (two piece for ladies, as one piece is hard to go to the toilet in) or underwear for under the wetsuit
- Thermal top (if you have one)
- Old running shoes (separate pair from your camp shoes)
- Sunscreen, sun hat, sun glasses
- Personal medication i.e. asthma inhaler, epi pens
Don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure!
Is this trip right for me?
- Best for: anyone after a genuine wilderness overnighter with camping and real river action.
- 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.
- Prefer a shorter or longer trip? Try the Grey 1 Day, or the Grey 3 Day for a slower pace and more time at camp.
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 and at camp.
"Stunning! Don't let the name Grey put you off."
Camo - River Guide
