March 6, 2023

Why you should try packrafting in New Zealand

Packrafting North island tours

If you’re looking for an activity that will give you the freedom to explore New Zealand’s backcountry and take in the beauty of its landscapes, then packrafting is a great option. While it might sound like a combination of rafting and backpacking (and it sort of is), packrafting offers something unique: It’s an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their fitness level or age group. You don’t need to be young or athletic to enjoy this fun way to experience New Zealand’s outdoors—just bring your sense of adventure!

North Island packrafting tramping and kayaking

 

Packrafting has been around for decades, but it’s still a relatively new concept to many.

Packrafting, coined by combining “packing” and “rafting,” is a relatively new concept to most people. It’s different from camping because packrafters carry their gear in backpacks rather than on their person; this makes the activity more comfortable and safe for everyone involved, regardless of fitness level or age group.

Packrafts are inflatable boats that look like kayaks and can be used on land or water. They’re durable, lightweight and portable—a great choice for anyone who wants to experience New Zealand’s outdoor activities without sacrificing comfort or safety.

It’s a different way to experience the backcountry.

You might be someone who’s always loved being in the outdoors but has never tried packrafting. You probably think that it’s something you’d like to do, but you don’t know how to get started.

You should know that there are many ways to experience New Zealand’s stunning backcountry, and packrafting is just one of them. It provides a different way of seeing the world around you and experiencing nature at its most raw and grandeur.

Packrafting allows us access to places we couldn’t go before – such as lakes deep in the Southern Alps or up river gorges in Fiordland National Park – and offers more freedom as well as an intimate experience with nature.

North Island packrafting tramping and kayaking

 

It’s easy to get into packrafting.

Packrafting is a great way to enjoy recreational paddling, even if you’ve never paddled before. It only takes a day or two to learn the basics of packrafting and with some practice, you’ll be able to cover distances of up to 30 km on your own. You can get into packrafting as an absolute beginner and enjoy it as an activity by itself or as part of a multi-day trip in New Zealand’s stunning backcountry.

You can have a lot of fun in a packraft.

Because of their versatility, packrafts are perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who likes to go off the beaten path. You can hike or paddle to your destination, then decide how you want to tackle it: by foot or by boat. Packrafts are ideal for flat water and white water alike; whether you want to paddle a river at full speed or explore a lake with your leisurely pace, this one piece of equipment lets you do both in style. And that’s just on land! Because packrafts float high atop the water, they’re also great for paddling through saltwater environments like oceans and bays as well as freshwater areas like lakes and rivers—an added bonus if you ever wanted an excuse to visit New Zealand’s beautiful coastlines!

Auckland Packrafting course beginner

 

New Zealand is one of the best places to go packrafting.

New Zealand is a great place to go packrafting. It’s an easy country to travel around, with lots of rivers and lakes that are easily accessible. There are also no dangerous animals like bears or snakes, so you can go rafting with your family without worrying about being attacked by a wild animal!

The weather in New Zealand is often sunny and warm, which means you can raft in winter or summer.

It’s affordable.

  • It’s cheap to get started
  • It’s also cheap to rent gear
  • You can buy a decent packraft for around $500-$1,000 (or less if you’re patient)
  • There are plenty of free camping spots in New Zealand, but you’ll often find them on private land and need the owner’s permission first

 

Auckland Packrafting course beginner

 

What is “packrafting,” you may be wondering. It’s a combination of backpacking and rafting, and it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like.

Packrafting is a combination of backpacking and rafting, and it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. You pack your gear into a backpack, which you then carry over land before launching into the water. Once in the water, you paddle around with your gear strapped to the outside of your packraft (a lightweight inflatable boat).

This blend makes for an experience that’s comfortable for every fitness level and age group—you can go as far as you want at a speed that works for you. And because everything fits inside one bag, there are no hassles when traveling—just grab your gear from home or from wherever else you might be staying on your trip.

New Zealand offers an abundance of incredible landscapes, including mountainscapes and fjords that are just begging to be explored by foot or by boat!

Packrafting is the perfect way to add a new activity to your trip to New Zealand.

New Zealand is an amazing place to visit, and packrafting is a great way to see the backcountry and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re planning on exploring New Zealand with your family or friends, packrafting would be an ideal activity for everyone involved. Whether you’re looking for a new adventure or just want to get outside more often, this sport can be enjoyed by anyone!

With plenty of rivers waiting to be explored in New Zealand, it’s easy to understand why this country has become such an attraction for adventurous tourists looking for something different from their regular vacation experience. The fact that anyone can enjoy this activity makes it even better!

 

Packrafting North island tours

 

Backcountry-style trips are not just for young, fit adrenaline junkies.

  • If you’re looking for a way to explore the outdoors in a new way, or if you want to experience New Zealand’s incredible scenery in a new way, packrafting is the perfect adventure for you.
  • If you’ve never done it before and don’t know where to start, we can help!
  • We offer comfortable and well-maintained equipment, as well as knowledgeable guides who will take care of all your needs while out on the water.

The gear is lightweight, so no need to overpack.

As a lightweight inflatable boat, a packraft is easy to carry. It weighs less than 10 kg and can be carried on your back. The material is durable and easy to repair, so you don’t have to worry about taking your precious gear with you into the wilderness of New Zealand. Because of this simplicity, there’s no need to overpack or spend hours preparing your trip equipment—simply choose what suits your needs and hit the road!

Werner Pack Tour 4pc Carbon Fibreglass Spare Paddle $30/day

 

“Packrafting” is a great way to experience New Zealand’s outdoor activities and outdoor culture in a way that’s comfortable and safe for every fitness level and age group.

Packrafting is a great way to experience New Zealand’s outdoor activities and outdoor culture in a way that’s comfortable and safe for every fitness level and age group.

Packrafting is a form of lightweight, portable kayaking that can be carried in one’s backpack. Packrafts are inflatable boats made from durable materials like PVC fabric or Cordura nylon, which are ideal for paddling down rivers and other waterways when paired with an inflatable spray skirt (a flexible tube that covers the cockpit opening). They’re lighter than hard-shell kayaks, so they’re easier to carry on land, but still have enough stability to stand up in waist deep water levels. They also don’t require any pre-launch assembly — just roll out your packraft from its carrying bag onto the water!

Conclusion

Packrafting is a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s easy to get into, affordable, and fun—and if you’re someone who loves the outdoors but struggles with backpacking or hiking, packrafting could be just what you’ve been looking for. We hope this article has given you some insight into what packrafting is all about, why it’s so popular in New Zealand right now (and why it’s becoming increasingly popular around the world), and how anyone can get started on their own adventures!

Koaro Packraft with gear T-zip $80/day

 

Have a question? We’re here to help.

email support@snm.nz or call us on 0800 76 62 66

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