Three-day West Coast rafting adventure

Grey Wilderness Raft 3 Day Adventure

Slow down and travel deeper into the Upper Grey River / Māwheranui. This three-day West Coast rafting journey combines Grade 2 and 3 rapids, native beech forest, steep gorges, riverside camping and more time to enjoy camp, scenery and river life.

Pristine Wilderness Grade 2–3 Rapids Two Nights Camping

Enquire / Pre-book Call 0508 RAFTING

Price

$1300

Per Adult

Duration

3 Days

2 Nights

Rapids

Grade 2–3

Fun whitewater

Age

10+ years

Suitable for families

Location

Upper Grey

Near Reefton

Meals

Included

3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts

A slower, richer Upper Grey journey

The Grey Wilderness Raft 3 Day Adventure is for people who want to properly settle into the rhythm of the river. It follows the Upper Grey River / Māwheranui through native beech forest, rocky rapids, open valleys and steep-walled gorges, but with more time than the 2-day trip to enjoy camp, scenery and the simple pleasure of travelling by raft.

This three-day journey begins in Reefton and heads into a section of the river that is difficult, and in places impossible, to access except from the water. The river starts in a forested West Coast valley, then gradually opens and tightens again as you move through rapids, rock gardens, waterfalls and gorges.

With two nights camping beside the river, the pace feels relaxed and immersive. There is time to swim when conditions suit, sit by the fire, enjoy camp meals, watch the light change on the hills and wake up already deep in the backcountry.

“Three days gives this river time to show itself — the rapids, the camps, the gorges and the quiet bits in between.”
Inland Adventures guide note

More time on the Upper Grey / Māwheranui means more time for gorges, campfires, swimming holes, forest, mountains and the quiet moments between the rapids.

Campfire cooking beside the Upper Grey River

Rafts paddling through a rocky rapid on the Upper Grey River

Rafters smiling during a Grey River adventure

Raft entering a green gorge on the Upper Grey River

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day One - Into the West Coast Backcountry

Meet in Reefton, drive to the river, gear up and begin with a forested section where beech trees come right down to the water. By evening, camp is set on the kanuka flats below the Robinson confluence.

Expand for Full Day One Details

Meet at 10.30am in Reefton and drive for about an hour to the river.
Transfer camp clothes into provided dry bags and change into provided river gear.
Enjoy lunch beside the river before the afternoon’s rafting begins.
Comprehensive safety briefing before setting off; no previous rafting experience needed.
Practise paddle strokes in the first section, with rocks and easy rapids to manoeuvre around.
Native beech forest comes right down to the river’s edge for the first part of the journey.

Afternoon & Evening: Log Jam and Camp

Push through entertaining rapids, including the Log Jam.
Guides may check whether recent floods have caused the Log Jam to live up to its name.
Camp for the night on the kanuka flats below the Robinson confluence.
Enjoy a meal cooked over the open fire and an evening beside the river.

Day Two - Mt Rameses, Rock Gardens and Island Camp

A relaxed breakfast is followed by a full day on the river. The valley opens with views of Mt Rameses, then tightens into the rock garden section, Lady of the Grey, Double Rock and Annie’s Waves before reaching island camp.

Expand for Full Day Two Details

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast and load the rafts for the second leg.
Travel through a wide open valley with Grade 2 rapids.
Look back upstream to Mt Rameses, which towers above the valley.
Float past farmland with long ties to the Reefton and West Coast area.
After lunch, the hills tighten and the river becomes more playful.

Afternoon: Waterfalls, Waves and Camp

Tackle the rock garden section surrounded by moss, beech and fern.
Float past the tall waterfall nicknamed Lady of the Grey.
Meet the bigger waves and rocks of the Upper Grey, including Double Rock.
Ride Annie’s Waves, a fun wave chain that feels like a gentle roller coaster.
Camp on a beautiful island site surrounded by beech forest.

Day Three - Gentle Annie Gorge and Return to Reefton

The final day finishes in style through Gentle Annie Gorge, a spectacular steep-walled canyon that can only be reached by travelling the river. After lunch, a short drive returns the group to Reefton.

Expand for Full Day Three Details

Begin the day with breakfast at camp before loading the rafts.
Set out on the final section of the journey.
Float through Gentle Annie Gorge, one of the most memorable parts of the Upper Grey.
Shortly after the first gorge, enter a second gorge that is equally beautiful.
On warm days, there may be time to swim or float in the deep pools.
Reach the take-out not long after lunch.
Return to Reefton by mid afternoon, leaving time for onward travel.

Pick-up & Logistics

Pick-up Time

10.30am

Pick-up Location

Reefton

Return

Mid afternoon on day three

Transport

Transport from Reefton to and from the Upper Grey River / Māwheranui

View All Base Locations

What's Included

✓ Rafting Gear

Helmets, life jackets, wetsuits, splash jacket, thermal top, wetsuit socks and dry bags for personal gear.

✓ All Meals

Three lunches, two hearty dinners and breakfast both mornings — prepared by your guides at camp.

✓ Camping Equipment

Tents and sleeping mats are supplied. Sleeping bags may be available for hire if required.

✓ Expert Guides

Experienced, qualified river guides for safety, instruction, camp setup and backcountry support.

Food and Camping

All food is supplied for the trip: three lunches, two hearty dinners and breakfast both mornings. Please let Inland Adventures know in advance about dietary requirements, allergies or strong food preferences.

Each night, your guides choose a riverside campsite with good views and a suitable place to settle in. While the guides prepare food, you can swim where conditions suit, try your luck with a fishing rod, chat by the river or simply sit back and take in the scenery.

You are welcome to bring a small amount of wine or beer for the evening at camp. If bringing beer, cans or plastic bottles are preferred rather than glass.

What to Bring

Sleeping bag, or request hire if available
Warm clothes for camp
Warm hat and raincoat
Small torch
Shoes and socks to wear around camp
Towel, insect repellent and toiletries
Swimwear or underwear to wear under the wetsuit
Thermal top if you have one
Old running shoes for the river, separate from camp shoes
Sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses
Personal medication, such as an asthma inhaler or EpiPen

Everything travels with us on the rafts, so bring enough clothing to stay warm and comfortable, but keep your packing simple.

View Full Multi-day Gear List PDF

Is this trip right for me?

Choose the Grey Wilderness Raft 3 Day Adventure if you like the sound of the 2-day trip, but want a slower pace and more time in the backcountry. This is the better option if camp, scenery and relaxed river travel are as important to you as the rapids.

Best for Adventurous first-timers, families with older children, couples and groups who want a fuller wilderness rafting experience.

Activity level Moderate. Expect active paddling, camping, changing weather, riverbank movement and three days outdoors.

Experience needed No previous rafting experience is needed. Your guides will teach you before and during the trip.

If you are short on time, choose the Grey Wilderness Raft 2 Day Adventure. If you only have one day available, look at the Grey Wilderness Raft 1 Day Tour.

Safety and Experience

No previous rafting experience is required. Before launching, your guides will give a full safety briefing, teach paddle commands and explain how the group will move down the river together.

This is a Grade 2–3 river journey, so expect moving water, rocks, wave trains, active paddling and changing conditions. All river trips depend on river levels, weather, access and guide assessment. If conditions are unsuitable, Inland Adventures may change, postpone or cancel the trip for safety.

Ready for This Adventure?

$1300 Per Adult | $1100 Per Child (10–18 years)