Clarence River Rafting Kaikoura
Clarence River Rafting Kaikoura
Clarence River Rafting Kaikoura
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Clarence River Rafting Kaikoura
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5.0
47 reviews
Excellent
42
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Peter Farish
1 contribution
Jan 2021
We were a group of 8, mainly retired people, on a 5 day, nearly 200km rafting trip, with guides Clinton, Gus, Jarron and trainee Shepherd. The safety training and information given by our guides was superb leaving us very confident for a great journey. The food throughout, Breakfasts, lunches and Dinners was fantastic, varied and delicious including the wine, especially after a good day. The camping sites, camping equipment including air beds and sleeping bags were very comfortable and covered all our needs. The scenery was spectacular, as it changed from the very dry to Bush clad slopes, geological fault lines and coastal plains. The river was varied and exciting, some gentle stretches and shorter Rapids, with rafts manoeuvring over these easily. We found the effort required wasn’t too strenuous. I would recommend this trip and company to anyone who wants to get into the outdoors, where otherwise you wouldn’t be able to go, with professional qualified and personable providers. A great team, a great trip!
Written 10 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bethny U
Auckland, New Zealand7 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Can’t rate it highly enough.
The trip was so well run, the guides were highly skilled at steering the rafts, knowledgeable about the land, and cooking delicious meals over an open fire. (Beautiful risotto, roast chicken and gravy, incredible beef stew with wine and an orange) Not at all commercial, our guides felt like friends.
Do bring warm clothes for camp, and backups for the river, because they will get wet, and unless it’s summer, frozen socks aren’t so nice in the morning. The guides bring extras of everything, so no fears there.
I loved watching how elegantly the guides managed the boats, and learning how they choose the routes. Interesting information about the Kaikoura earthquake, seeing the fault line and how it affected the course of the river.
Thanks so much Emerson, Bruce, Joey, John-O, and Sophie.
The trip was so well run, the guides were highly skilled at steering the rafts, knowledgeable about the land, and cooking delicious meals over an open fire. (Beautiful risotto, roast chicken and gravy, incredible beef stew with wine and an orange) Not at all commercial, our guides felt like friends.
Do bring warm clothes for camp, and backups for the river, because they will get wet, and unless it’s summer, frozen socks aren’t so nice in the morning. The guides bring extras of everything, so no fears there.
I loved watching how elegantly the guides managed the boats, and learning how they choose the routes. Interesting information about the Kaikoura earthquake, seeing the fault line and how it affected the course of the river.
Thanks so much Emerson, Bruce, Joey, John-O, and Sophie.
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christine c
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Friends
It was a miracle we had such good weather, but the best part of the trip was Grace, Samson and Felix (the tour guides). An impressive demonstration of expertise, and leadership and team work. We had a mixed group of travellers and we had fun, adventure, and we were pampered! Ok so we put up our tents, but you guys dug the dunny holes, set up the camp kitchen, smoked the camp site out, went to bed first and were up first - as a team you were all in sync with keeping everything on time. A good example of the importance of enjoying the work you do! They shared some of their own intrepid adventures when they aren't at work - anyone going on this trip is in good hands! A great set of travel buddies and good idea to swap around in your rafts. Lots of mayhem kept us cool on a hot day, when we changed raft seating, having younguns against oldies, and girls against boys; when a couple of hard core battlers had an unplanned exit from the raft! Still smiling.
Written 7 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traceybwelly
Wellington, New Zealand18 contributions
Dec 2020
Had an amazing trip along about 200km of the Clarence River (5-day trip) with guides Nicole, Ruby and Mitch. Amazing scenery, especially the gorges with the folded ancient rock. You see mountains and grazing land (including Molesworth Station), and you get to see the faultline that ruptured in the Kaikoura earthquake. There is also great birdlife (dotterels, terns, paradise ducks, etc). The water is a mix of calm and rapids that were good for a complete novice like me. The guides make the trip - not only are they obviously highly skilled, they are heaps of fun and amazing cooks, given it's campfire cooking. Roast chicken and gravy! There is tons of food. You camp along the river every night and the dawn chorus is fantastic. This trip is a great way to experience a beautiful part of Aotearoa.
Written 10 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hbucksey
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Last week we did a 6-day trip rafting the Clarence River.
The scenery was spectacular and the rafting was great fun. Our guides were outstanding - such hard workers and excellent cooks. The skill with which they steered the rafts in the river was impressive, with just the right amount of rodeo-style bumps and splashes of freezing water 😲
Thanks so much to guides Emerson, Bruce, Joey, Jonno and trainee Sophie (the risotto queen). Also to Ben who made sure everything ran like clockwork.
Highly recommended 👍
The scenery was spectacular and the rafting was great fun. Our guides were outstanding - such hard workers and excellent cooks. The skill with which they steered the rafts in the river was impressive, with just the right amount of rodeo-style bumps and splashes of freezing water 😲
Thanks so much to guides Emerson, Bruce, Joey, Jonno and trainee Sophie (the risotto queen). Also to Ben who made sure everything ran like clockwork.
Highly recommended 👍
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris D
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Great half day adventure , albeit you do have the option to do multi day trips . River was low but we were pre warned and it was still cracking fun and a chance to swim in the Clarence river was very welcome . Ruby, our “ skipper “ , was really friendly and knowledgeable so we learnt a lot about the river and its history , including the impact of the last earthquake and the bizarre story about the “ furries “ . Would definitely recommend but the river level does impact the extent of the white knuckle effect .
Written 17 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ngaio M
Auckland Central, New Zealand77 contributions
Jan 2021
Fantastic trip rafting the relatively gentle Clarence River, camping alongside. Excellent way to see beautiful NZ and understand the impact of the Kaikoura earthquake. CCR guides are professional, hardworking and excellent fun. Team Leader Nicole not only knows heaps about the area and the river, she is great company, relaxed and throws you in the rapids (if you are willing). Ruby has a wicked sense of humour and is totally chilled which makes for a day on the water which leaves your cheeks aching from laughter. Ben the owner makes everything happen as it should and takes superb care of the guests. Could not recommend this more highly.
Written 23 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
328miekev
Nelson, New Zealand32 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Our group of five over 60’s did a 5 day / 4 nights rafting trip recently. Due to the low river levels we had to start further downriver than initially intended, and the trip was shortened by one day from the original 6. However, we gained a helicopter flight to Quail Flat which was an experience in itself.
We had an excellent trip, with fascinating geology and beautiful scenery, good weather and great guides. Kai and Reuben were lots of fun and looked after us on and off the river. Quite amazing what those lads can cook up over a campfire!
The river is not dangerous, especially this time of the year, and it’s more about the whole experience of camping and seeing backcountry New Zealand. We saw a beautiful part of the country where you otherwise would never go.
Highly recommend it.
We had an excellent trip, with fascinating geology and beautiful scenery, good weather and great guides. Kai and Reuben were lots of fun and looked after us on and off the river. Quite amazing what those lads can cook up over a campfire!
The river is not dangerous, especially this time of the year, and it’s more about the whole experience of camping and seeing backcountry New Zealand. We saw a beautiful part of the country where you otherwise would never go.
Highly recommend it.
Written 11 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip v
Brussels, Belgium104 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Jordan very nice and relaxed real kiwi guide taking you very gently down the Clarence River. Options for multiple day trips or short trip like we did.
Some floating, some swimming, nice lunch with home made goodies from Jordan, we had the first Mango/Leak pie in the world I guess! And Daniel, yes go build that pizza oven…….
Some floating, some swimming, nice lunch with home made goodies from Jordan, we had the first Mango/Leak pie in the world I guess! And Daniel, yes go build that pizza oven…….
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen R
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand22 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Fantastic two day trip with great guides, Nicole and Kai. The helicopter rise was a bonus. Food was fantastic. A bit cold on the first day, but compensated by plenty of water going down the river! Don't hesitate to give it a go.
Written 13 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are doing this 4 night camp/raft trip early October this year and would like to know what type of clothing should we bring for on the river? Do you have a checklist for us. There will be 4 adults 4 kids aged 10-15yrs.
Written 26 August 2018
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