Adaptive Rafting

Single, Overnite Wilderness or Multi-day Expidition

Making this possible we have our Aqua harness, fully releasable system, making you sit up on the raft (even without trunk control!!), leg floats if you feel like floating through the pools, dry suits for those that do not have climate control (only hands & head are exposed), hand fixtures for those that have limited hand function, making it possible to grip your paddle. To conclude the kit we have a carry harness for river access.https://vimeo.com/239057289

Buller Gorge Rafting

For this river rafting trip you must be able to swim and have hand function. We can provide other options for all abilities

1/2 day tours starting at 9:30am and 1:30pm. Allow 4 hours with us and we will spend 2 hours on the water rafting a class 3-4 whitewater section on the mighty Buller River. All you need is your swim wear and we will provide everything else.

This popular Buller Gorge Rafting tour is our number 1 tour, with great white water for all! From ages as young as 10 years old and upwards, you will find yourself tackling rapids from grade 2-4 on the spectacular Buller River, the perfect tour for you and your team!

Big pools in between the rapids are great for swimming and relaxing in or the perfect time for having a good yarn. When the river is running high, we have options to run other sections of grade 3-4 white water which may include the white water mile or the mystical Mangles River.

Trips depart twice a day at 9:30am and 1:30pm. You need to allow 4 hours with us and we will spend 2 hours on the water rafting. As a bonus, we provide photos of your tour for FREE

Guaranteed water all year round
Best white water on the Buller River
Enjoy the comfort and facilities of our Base

Photographic highlights of the days action will be screened back at base!

Rafting Departure Times

October to April twice daily – 9:30am and 1:30pm; May through to September (New Zealand’s winter) 12pm once a day on demand, pre bookings essential.

With regards to our minimum age for the Buller Gorge Rafting, we are able to take as young as 10 years old, when the river level is low. You can phone or email us to discuss the river levels.

Overnite Wilderness & Multiday Expidition

For our Overnite Wilderness & Multiday Expidition trips we make it possible for all abilities...including dependent clients. Experience the freedom of river life.

Makingtrax also provides, larger tent for ease of access, accessible camp toilet, camp bed/cots for ease of transfer, warm sleeping bags & feather bed roll for reduced pressure.

Overnite Wilderness Rafting Trip

2 days / grade 2&3

Freedom of river life, experience real wilderness. Navigating the Maruia River, its waters spilling from the mountains of the Lewis Pass winds through a heavily forested valley and remoteness make this trip a real gem. Carrying all our equipment with us, we spend the night camping beside the river with a fire, and great company. Also for the keen angler, Rainbow & Brown Trout fishing is legendary giving you a great challenge and fun what ever your skill level. Avalible to all abilities with the Makingtrax Aqua harness.

Clarence Multiday Rafting

5 days / grade 2&3

“The combination of fine food, great camping and stunning scenery make the Clarence a unique river experience that people of all abilities are sure to enjoy.”

From the moment we leave the road-end to start the rafting journey, life becomes focused on simple pleasures. The sounds and fragrance of the landscape fill our senses, and fun, food, and shelter become our priorities. We are totally self-sufficient with all supplies and equipment carried on our rafts, allowing us to set camp when and wherever we want. Using driftwood and river stone we’ll make cozy campfire settings for our nights by the river, with hearty meals cooked on an open fire, rounding off the day’s activity.

The swift waters of the Clarence flow though an isolated valley between the seaward and inland Kaikoura ranges on the East Coast of the South Island. This classic river journey starts high in the expansive alpine tussock-lands of Marlborough‘s outback, snaking its way through towering canyons of twisted rock strata, then opening out to braided riverbed before finally rushing to the sea in a roller coaster climax to the trip. This is one of New Zealand ‘s longest river journeys, allowing plenty of time to savour the moment and take in the spectacular mountain scenery, with every day bringing a new experience.

The campsites are varied and impressive, some nights camping beneath the shelter of willow trees, others on sandy beaches or amongst native manuka trees. Evenings are spent around the campfire, relaxing and recollecting the day‘s events or maybe searching the night sky, before finally drifting off to sleep to the sound of the river. In true expedition fashion all food and equipment is carried on the rafts, plenty of fresh, wholesome food produces the gourmet meals that the guides pride themselves on.