Kokatahi: Packrafting on the Lower Kokatahi River

Packrafting on the Lower Kokatahi River

The 4 km stretch of the Lower Kokatahi River is a half-day packrafting trip graded II+/III. The trip begins in a very scenic entrance gorge, where dense bush overhangs the deep-blue-looking water. Its length, duration and difficulty give the trip a clear profile. Check river conditions and access independently before setting out.

Access to the packrafting route begins at a designated parking area on Middlebranch Road. A large DOC sign reading “Carpark” marks the spot. Check current farm and river conditions before setting out.

Walks with varied trail conditions

The Lower Kokatahi Track to Crawford Junction is unmaintained and difficult to walk. Take the trail conditions into account when planning, and check current conditions before setting out.

Further afield in the region, the Kokatahi and Toaroha valleys are popular tramping areas. This means there are wider-ranging tramping destinations in the region as well as the specific activities on the Lower Kokatahi.

More nature experiences in the Westland District

As a broader travel destination, the Westland District offers more nature experiences in other locations. The area around the settlement of Fox Glacier provides access to a dynamic glacier landscape in a forested setting; it can be reached by car and on foot from the State Highway. In Fox Glacier Valley, walking and cycling offer different views of the glacial valley.

A gentle loop track runs around Lake Matheson. On calm, clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected in the still water. The Lake Gault Track is a historic walking track through an old silver beech forest, with panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. These offer contrasting walking options: an easy loop around the lake and a historic forest track with panoramic views.

The Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk is a short walk through rainforest with views of the Franz Josef Glacier valley. The Roberts Point Track, by contrast, is a challenging day hike with spectacular views of the Franz Josef Glacier and surrounding mountains. The short walk and full-day hike differ considerably in time and difficulty.

The Ōkārito River Mouth Lagoon is the largest unmodified wetland on the West Coast and is home to a diverse birdlife. Kayaks are available for hire at the lagoon, and guided tours offer opportunities to observe birds and the landscape. More than 200 brown kiwi live in Ōkārito; visitors can see them in their natural habitat on night tours. Check the current availability of tours before travelling.

Choose the focus of your trip

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide what kind of trip you want: the river section is described as a half-day trip, Lake Matheson as an easy loop, and the Roberts Point Track as a challenging day hike. This comparison makes the different activity and trail profiles easier to understand.

Discover more destinations: Otira, Fox Glacier, Haast, Bruce Bay, Whataroa, Okarito, Kakapotahi, Franz Josef Glacier.

See the broader travel overview: Westland District.