Multi-day · Upper Grey / Māwheranui
Grey Wilderness Raft 3 Day Adventure
Three unhurried days rafting the Upper Grey - beech forest, a rock-garden gorge, two nights camped by the river, and the Gentle Annie to finish. 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. Three days gives you the whole river at a relaxed pace: entertaining rapids through native beech forest, two nights camped on the riverbank, and the breathtaking Gentle Annie Gorge saved for the finish. It suits anyone comfortable with active days outdoors who'd rather take their time than rush it - first-timers included.
- Duration3 days, 2 nights
- GradeGrade 3
- Minimum age10 years
- Price$1350 Adult $1150 Child (10–18 yrs)
- LocationUpper Grey River / Māwheranui near Reefton & Greymouth
- Pick-up10:30am Reefton or Springs Junction
The Experience
This is backcountry New Zealand at its best - a relaxed three days on the Upper Grey / Māwheranui, rafting through lush green beech forest and steep-walled gorges with a backdrop of rugged mountains. The extra day is the point: more time on the water, more time at camp, and no need to hurry past the good bits. More about the Upper Grey / Māwheranui →
Day by Day
Three days on the water, two nights camped on the riverbank - here's how the journey unfolds. Open a day for the full run-down.
Day One - Finding Your Paddle
We meet at 10:30am and head for the river. 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 first day is all about getting your paddling dialled in: a run of really great rapids flowing through beautiful native beech forest, with plenty of chances to practise. Camp is on the kanuka flats below the confluence with the Robinson River. Once we're in there's time to read, swim, talk, or try your luck with a rod - this river is famous for its trout. Dinner is cooked over an open campfire.
Highlights: Paddle Practice · Beech-lined Narrows · Robinson Confluence · Kanuka-flat Camp
Day Two - The Rock Garden
After a hearty breakfast we're back on the water. The morning is a wide-open valley with good views of Mt Rameses and the other peaks in the area - easy water, big scenery. After lunch the hills tighten up and we tackle the rock-garden section: a fun set of rapids with heaps of rocks to weave our way through, running down to Island Camp. The slopes around you are rich and varied shades of green - moss, beech and fern together make a magical scene, and we still can't decide whether it's better on a clear day or a misty one.
Highlights: Wide-valley Grade 2 · Mt Rameses (1,453m) · Rock-Garden Section · Island Camp
Day Three - The Gentle Annie
After another hearty breakfast we're back on the water. 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: 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 - three lunches, two hearty campfire dinners, and two breakfasts 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 who wants the whole river at an unhurried pace, with two nights out and plenty of time at camp.
- Activity level: moderate - active days 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 trip? Try the Grey 2 Day for the same river over one night, or the Grey 1 Day for a taste in a single day.
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.
"Lots of time to relax and explore the area."
John - River Guide
