Multi-day · Upper Waiau / Waiau-uha
Waiau Raft 3 Day Adventure
Our most challenging trip - three days of Grade 3–4 water, towering mountains, narrow gorges and two nights camped on the river's edge.
Where You'll Be
From Hanmer Springs we head up towards Lake Tennyson and over Maling's Pass in the four-wheel drives - deep into the Canterbury high country. Over three days you'll raft tussock valleys, narrow gorges and pure clean water beneath the Spenser Mountains, camp both nights on the river's edge, and tackle the toughest rapids we run. This is the trip for people who want the full wilderness journey and real white water with it.
- Duration3 days, 2 nights
- GradeGrade 3–4
- Minimum age12 years
- Price$1600 Adult $1400 Child (12–18 yrs)
- LocationUpper Waiau River / Waiau-uha near Hanmer Springs
- Pick-up9:00am Hanmer Springs, or a time arranged with you
The Experience
If you're after the ultimate multi-day rafting adventure, this is it. Stunning scenery the whole way - towering mountains, narrow gorges, tussock valleys and pure clean water - and with Grade 3 and 4 rapids it's the most challenging trip we run. The river starts gently and revs up: by day two you're in genuinely technical water. More about the Upper Waiau / Waiau-uha →
Day by Day
Three days on the water, two nights camped on the river's edge - here's how the journey unfolds. Open a day for the full run-down.
Day One - Over Mailing's Pass
We leave Hanmer Springs at 9am and head towards Lake Tennyson, crossing Mailing's Pass in the four-wheel drives. After lunch beside the Waiau it's time to get ready to raft: into the river gear, a full safety briefing, and onto the water. The river starts off very gently, meandering past the Ada homestead - a relaxing way to begin - before we put our rafting skills to the test on the first of the exciting rapids. We make camp on the river's edge, with dinner cooked over an open campfire.
Highlights: Mailing's Pass · Ada Homestead Meanders · First Rapids · Riverbank Camp
Day Two - The Narrows
An action-packed day of rafting. There are challenging rapids throughout, including The Narrows - one of the real highlights of the trip, and basically a whole lot of water in a very tight space. The views back up the valley to the Spenser Mountains are spectacular. A second night camped on the river, and another campfire dinner.
Highlights: Challenging Grade 3–4 rapids · The Narrows · The Spenser Mountains
Day Three - The Gorge
The final day begins with a beautiful gorge that has it all: steep rocky walls, towering waterfalls and pockets of green bush. The wave-train rapids through here are really entertaining, and on a hot day there are plenty of chances to get out and swim. We're normally back in Hanmer Springs by mid-afternoon - enough time to drive on to Christchurch or over to the West Coast.
Highlights: The Gorge · Towering Waterfalls · Wave-train Rapids · A Mid-Afternoon Finish
Camping, Food & Gear
Your nights out are beautiful campsites on the river's edge. There's delicious meals and time in the evenings to relax, swim, fish or just take it in. All meals are included - three lunches, two 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: people who want the hardest water we run, alongside a genuine three-day wilderness journey.
- Activity level: demanding - full days on Grade 3–4 water, and you'll be paddling hard through the technical sections.
- Experience: none needed; a full safety and paddle briefing comes first.
- Age: 12 years and up.
- Want something gentler? The Waiau 2 Day runs the same river over one night at Grade 2–3, or the Grey 3 Day is a relaxed three days on the West Coast.
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.
"Technical rafting and stunning camping make this my favourite trip."
Simon - River Guide
