Frequently Asked Questions - Landsborough River
FAQ's related to the spectacular Landsborough River Wilderness Multiday trip.
- Where is the Landsborough Valley?
- How do I get to Queenstown?
- Do I need travel insurance?
- How far in advance do I need to book?
- What about single travelers?
- What type of people book this trip?
- How do I pay?
- What is the minimum number required for a Landsborough trip?
- How large is the average group size?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Is my $100 deposit refundable if the trip is cancelled?
- Is Friday the only day you can start the trip?
- We would like to do our trip over 2 days instead of 3, is this possible?
- I am 70 years old and have been told I would be too old to do this trip!
- What if I have a medical condition?
- How fit do you need to be?
- I am pregnant and would like to go on a raft trip, is this possible?
- What happens if I fall in the water?
- Is there an age limit?
- Is there a weight limit?
- Do I need to have rafting experience?
- Is there somewhere to park my car while I am on the trip?
- Can I be picked up from Wanaka or Makarora?
- Do you arrange a pick ups/drop offs from my hotel?
- Can you help book accommodation in Queenstown before and after the trip?
- What do I have to bring?
- What do you provide?
- Can I hire gear?
- Is there a limit to the amount of gear I can bring?
- Where can I store excess luggage I won’t need for this trip?
- What if I have an accident or fall sick on the trip?
- What is the weather like?
- What do we sleep on?
- What are the tents like?
- Are there toilets?
- Do I have to set up my own tent?
- Do I have to cook my own food?
- Is Alcohol provided?
- Are there any dangerous animals I need to be worried about?
- What wildlife will I see?
- How long do we raft each day?
- What if I have special dietary requirements?
- Do we need to treat the water before drinking it?
- Can we bring fishing rods or firearms?
- Is tipping required?
- Is there cell phone or wireless/internet coverage?
- How can my family contact me in an emergency?
- If I bring a camera, does it need to be waterproof?
1. Where is the Landsborough Valley?
The Landsborough Valley is situated on the southern West Coast of the South Island.
It is one of New Zealand’s most isolated specially protected wilderness areas.
2. How do I get to Queenstown?
Air New Zealand and Qantas Airways have international and domestic flights into Queenstown.
You can fly directly into Queenstown or choose to fly into Christchurch then hire a car and take the very scenic trip south into Queenstown.(drive time approx 6 hours) There are several bus services from Christchurch, Dunedin and other major South Island towns into Queenstown.
4. How far in advance do I need to book?
While we are also able to take last minute bookings , the further in advance you book the easier it is to request a date of your choice.
Trips do need a minimum of 4 to confirm so if you book in advance we are able to do our best to get these confirmed as soon as possible.
5. What about single travelers?
Unlike many trips we do not charge single supplements so the price is still the same travelling on your own, in fact many do come on their own. You may not need to share a tent.
The groups are normally always mixed and vary in ages and by the end of the trip you may have found lifelong friends.
6. What type of people book this trip?
There is a real mix of ages and nationalities on these trips. Most are English speaking from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand and the majority tend to be 35 years plus. Saying that we often have younger or older clients, the main thing is that they are all like minded and enjoy the outdoors and adventure.
7. How do I pay?
We are able to accept all major credit cards Visa/Mastercard/ Amex/ Diners and JCB.
We can also take electronic money transfers.
We do not charge a fee for credit cards either.
8. What is the minimum number required for a Landsborough trip?
Our minimum number is 4 people. If you are travelling on your own or with 1 or 2 other people please contact our office as we may already have other clients interested in the same departure date as yourself.
9. How large is the average group size?
Minimum group size is 4 and the maximum is 14 although we can cater for more on demand. On average our groups are sized between 8-10 people, plus the guides.
10. What is the cancellation policy?
30 days before departure = full refund less your deposit of $100.
Between 14 and 30 days before departure = 50% refund
Less than two weeks - No refund
11. Is my $100 deposit refundable if the trip is cancelled?
Yes. You will be refunded your $100 deposit and all money paid if the trip is cancelled due to weather or insufficient client numbers.
12. Is Friday the only day you can start the trip?
It is possible to start your trip on another day. We would require a minimum number of 6 clients to confirm an alternative departure date. Please contact our office for further information.
13. We would like to do our trip over 2 days instead of 3, is this possible?
It would be possible to run a 2 day trip as a custom trip but there are minimum number requirements. Please contact our office for further information.
14. I am 70 years old and have been told I would be too old to do this trip!
No, not true. If you live a physically active daily life and you’re in good health there is no reason why you can’t come along. Please contact our office if you have concerns.
15. What if I have a medical condition?
Most medical conditions shouldn’t stop you from rafting, but please check with our staff when you book. If you do have a medical condition it is very important, for your own safety, that you make sure we are aware of your condition. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are fit enough for the activity and that you have appropriate medication with you.
16. How fit do you need to be?
To get the most enjoyment out of your the trip, you should be moderately active in your daily life and confident in water.
17. I am pregnant and would like to go on a raft trip, is this possible?
Due to the nature of the trip is it not advisable.
18. What happens if I fall in the water?
Due to the nature of rafting there is always the possibility that you may fall out of the raft. However the guides give a full safety briefing and instructions what to do in that event. (In hot weather there is always plenty of opportunity to cool off in the water.)
19. Is there an age limit?
The minimum age is 15. If you have a child who is 14, fit, active, weighs more than 40kg (this is a lifejacket requirement) and you are interested in doing a family trip please contact us.
20. Is there a weight limit?
There is a minimum weight of 40kg (This is a lifejacket requirement).
We do not have a maximum weight and we do have larger sized wetsuits, however, you need to have a reasonable level of fitness. If you are unsure, please contact us for further details.
21. Do I need to have rafting experience?
No, the majority of clients have never rafted before, however, a sense of adventure and ability to swim is important.
You will be taught how to paddle, hold on and work as a team and be given a full safety briefing before you depart on your first day of rafting.
22. Is there somewhere to park my car while I am on the trip?
Queenstown Rafting can arrange parking facilities for you while you are on your trip.
23. Can I be picked up from Wanaka or Makarora?
Yes, this is possible; please contact our office for more details.
24. Do you arrange a pick ups/drop offs from my hotel?
Yes, we pick up and drop off at all hotels and accommodation on the first day of your trip.
25. Can you help book accommodation in Queenstown before and after the trip?
Yes, we can suggest some places to stay or help you book in all price ranges. Enquire for further details
26. What do I have to bring?
A gear list recommending what to pack for this trip is provided.
27. What do you provide?
We provide all rafting equipment, wetsuit, booties, life jacket and helmet. We provide all camping equipment except sleeping bags (available to rent), all meals and a range of snacks, wine, beer and soft drinks.
All transfers are included and the scenic flight to the start of the Landsborough Valley as well as experienced guides and fantastic scenery.
28. Can I hire gear?
Yes, there are several outdoor specialist stores in Queenstown that rent as well as sell gear. We are happy to help advise and organise that with you.
29. Is there a limit to the amount of gear I can bring?
We will provide you with a small dry bag to put your personal gear in for the trip. Everything needs to be carried on the rafts so space will be limited.
30. Where can I store excess luggage I won’t need for this trip?
Most hotels and accommodation in town will look after your excess luggage while you are away, and we will also be able to store excess luggage.
31. What if I have an accident or fall sick on the trip?
All the guides are trained in first aid and a first aid kit is carried at all times. We have a satelite phone and in regular contact with the rafting base. Your travel insurance should cover you for any costs that may involve helicopter evacuation.
32. What is the weather like?
New Zealand has a temperate climate. With the Landsborough Valley located on the West Coast of the South Island you can expect weather conditions to change rapidly. Always pack for 4 seasons in one day. (Rafting is a great wet weather activity).
Average temperatures during the season can vary considerably between 12 C - 26 C.
34. What are the tents like?
They are comfortable roomy tents that you can stand up in, with sewn in groundsheets. If you are travelling alone and space permits you can request your own tent.
35. Are there toilets?
All the camp sites have eco friendly “long drop” toilets. During the day your guide can pull up to the side of the river if necessary.
36. Do I have to set up my own tent?
No, the tents are permanent and already set up when you get there.
37. Do I have to cook my own food?
No, your guide will prepare and cook everything for you.
We have experienced staff that prepare fantastic food and it is often one of the many highlights on the trip.
38. Is Alcohol provided?
We provide New Zealand wines and beers to have with your food, however, if you want to bring a spirit of your choice that is ok. We ask that you drink sensibly and consider others.
39. Are there any dangerous animals I need to be worried about?
No, you are very safe in the New Zealand wilderness. New Zealand doesn’t have any snakes, bears, wolves, foxes or mountain lions, just a few insects that can be taken care of with insect repellant.
40. What wildlife will I see?
There is lots of birdlife in the valley. You could be lucky and see the endangered Whio (Blue Duck) or Mohua (Yellowhead bird) or even a wild deer on the river flats.
41. How long do we raft each day?
This depends on the river conditions. If the river is high and running fast then the times will be quicker than below:
- Day 1 – No rafting. Time is spent at camp and exploring the area.
- Day 2 – Approx 5 hours.
- Day 3 – Approx 3 hours.
42. What if I have special dietary requirements?
When you make a booking we will send you a Client Information form to complete. There is a section on this form for “Special Food Requirement”, please advise us of any allergies too.
43. Do we need to treat the water before drinking it?
Some of the best tasting water comes from this area. We do not normally need to treat the water as it comes from a mountain glacier. All our guides have been drinking it for years, but if you are at all concerned, water purification tablets are available.
44. Can we bring fishing rods or firearms?
We have time for fishing so fishing rods are fine, however, we ask that firearms are not brought along even if you have a license.
45. Is tipping required?
an awesome trip, the guides will appreciate a small token of thanks.
It is totally up to you.
46. Is there cell phone or wireless/internet coverage?
The beauty of this trip is that you are going to an un-spoilt and remote area of new Zealand. There is no cell phone coverage or internet in the Landsborough Valley.
However we do carry a satellite telephone for emergencies and check-in daily with our base in Queenstown.
47. How can my family contact me in an emergency?
Please give them the Queesntown rafting number +64 3 442 9792 and they will be able to pass a message to the guides for you.
48. If I bring a camera, does it need to be waterproof?
Not necessarily. There will be plenty of opportunities off the river to take some amazing photos and we provide you with a dry bag for your camera. A disposable waterproof camera is ideal for the rafting sections.