Heli Kayaking & Heli Rafting

A unique outdoor experience. The Landsborough is one of New Zealand’s most isolated specially protected valleys, untouched, unspoiled and visited by only a privileged few. Kayaking and rafting almost becomes secondary to the experience of being part of a small group alone in this stirring wilderness. The river flows almost 70km from high alpine areas on the boundary of the Mt Cook National Park to its confluence at the Haast River, in South Westland.

Kayakers can also take in the pristine surroundings along the Waiatoto River. Kayaking among 10,000ft mountains and through native forest seeing many varieties of native birds is part of the unique experience of the Waiatoto River.

Flight Prices for Kayaking

Landsborough
$250.00 per person (minimum 4 persons)

Waiatoto River
$250.00 per person (minimum 4 persons)
As kayaking often involves more than one individual we offer competitive rates for group bookings over 8 persons.

Flight Prices for Rafting
$1195.00 per person
Rafting is on an arranged basis only. The trip is a three day excursion and departs from Queenstown at 10.00am Tuesday and returns approximately 7.00pm Thursday. We connect with Queenstown Rafting at Clarke’s Bluff where we ferry your group by helicopter to Toetoe Flat. Upon reaching the bottom of the Landsborough a coach will transfer you back to Queenstown. Other options are available through Queenstown Rafting.

Heliventures & Haast River Safaris Combo Packages

For a total experience of this World Heritage Area join a River Boat Cruise, taking you on a “journey through time” up the Haast River Valley. These innovative, all-weather boats have been specifically designed, enabling you to comfortably experience this primeval landscape at extremely close range, while your experienced driver/guide shares with you some of the fascinating geological and cultural history of the area.

Then experience the grandeur from the air. Meet Heliventures pioneer pilots Dave or Morgan Saxton on the river’s edge and fly to the Lost Valley. Explore this hidden wilderness as you climb the 1,800ft thundering Douglas Falls toward the unique Hidden Valley, which appears lost in time. Follow the edge of Lake Douglas to the rippling Staircase Falls, and then fly enroute via Lake Eggeling and Mt Webster to drop over the Mistaken Saddle, down the Roaring Swine and home, via the Haast River.

Trip Duration
Allow 1 hour 20 min

What to Bring
Camera (plenty of film), sunglasses and warm jacket

Departure Times
Flights and River Cruise departs on demand

Trip Price
$395.00 per person (minimum 3 persons required)
Alpine landing included

Heliventures & Waiatoto River Safaris Combo Packages

Departing from our Haast base we climb to discover the scenic wonders of the 10,000ft high Mt Aspiring and all of its beautiful surroundings including the Lower Volta Glacier, Therma Glacier and especially the Mt Aspiring Glacier Lake (which lies at the foot of the Glacier). Accessing this wilderness gives you the opportunity to capture the moment on camera as well as experiencing New Zealand snow. Return via the Glacier Dome, Mt Taurus, Canon Peak and the rugged Waiatoto River Valley to meet the Waiatoto River Jet Boat.

Connecting up with Waiatoto River Safaris you discover the world’s first and only mountain to sea eco-jetboat adventure exploring the South Westland World Heritage Area. See a place rich in Maori history and legend, feel the pioneering spirit of days gone by, while enjoying the intense closeness of this vast virgin landscape, created by climate and time.

Experience this truly remote, untouched wilderness with a professional river guide. Relax as you journey up this spectacular glacial valley. Pause for photos and an informative commentary on the climb up river. At the top of the river leave the boat and stretch your legs at the forests edge, before departing for an exhilarating return journey.

Trip Duration
Allow 4 hours

Trip Price
$675.00 per person (minimum 3 persons required)
Alpine landing included