Researching destinations and crafting your page…
The Pelorus River stands out for packrafting remote streams due to its perfect blend of accessible hike-ins, continuous Class II/III whitewater, and unspoiled Marlborough backcountry. Sourced from the Richmond Range, it carves through lush gorges and podocarp forests, offering portage-friendly rapids and DOC tracks for safety. This self-supported trip delivers multi-day wilderness without the big-water hazards of longer NZ rivers.
Core experiences include hiking from Hackett carpark to Roebuck Hut, then packrafting 25-30km to Pelorus Bridge over 2 days, with stops at Middy Creek and Captain Creek Huts. Upper sections demand scouting amid boulders, transitioning to playful Grade I/II below. Side hikes along the Pelorus Track add exploration, while high flows turn it into flood-run territory for experts.
Summer (November-February) brings reliable 15-40 cumecs flows; check gauges daily as rain swells it fast. Prepare for rocky shallows, sharp boulders, and no bridges on some tributaries. Hike in light, paddle smart, and carry hut tickets plus emergency beacon.
Local packrafters from Nelson's tight-knit outdoor scene share beta on forums like packraft.org, emphasizing leave-no-trace in this fragile ecosystem. DOC huts foster communal vibes with trampers, while Richmond Range locals offer shuttle intel. Hobbit filming spots add cultural quirk to the remote paddling.
Plan for summer flows by checking the Marlborough District Council gauge at Pelorus at Bryants, aiming for 15-20 cumecs minimum to avoid bony sections. Book DOC huts like Roebuck via their site a month ahead, and arrange shuttles from Nelson for Hackett carpark access. Allow 2-3 days for the Roebuck to Bridge run, starting with a 4-6 hour hike in.
Pack light for the hike-in but prioritize puncture-proof packraft hulls and spray skirts for gorge splashes. Carry a PLB or satellite communicator given spotty cell coverage, and scout all rapids standing in the boat. Test gear on local Nelson rivers first, and filter all stream water.