This is an awesome trip if you are new to packrafting with relatively easy water. Don’t be shy and come and join for a fun weekend exploring the Rangitikei river with stunning scenery, awesome stories around a campfire with good company on the Saturday night.

Friday

Meet at River Valley Lodge on Friday night. Book a bunk room for $60 directly with River Valley Lodge - Book accommodation here.

There is an option to have an amazing meal and well worthwhile. Please indicate if you want to be a part of the group meal. 1 course is normally plenty...

Saturday

River briefing and 9:30 am start.
Either start the day with cooked breakfast from River Valley or bring your own food and use the camp kitchen supplied.

Enjoy the day paddling on the Rangitikei before camping on the river's edge. You will need your own tent, food and cooking utensils along with enough food and water for both days on the water.

Sunday

Get going Sunday morning from riverside camp with the aim to be at the takeout around 2pm or earlier. All depends on how much time is spent having fun playing in features along the way.

Take out is at Awastone (https://www.mangaweka.co.nz/) in Mangaweka. Awastone has food and drinks for a debrief along with good safe parking for those that leave a car at the takeout, parking at Awastone is $10 which is a small fee to pay to know everything is nice and safe at the takeout. This is the best option for anyone coming from the South.

The Shuttle

There are three options here, in the sign up from please indicate your preferences.

1. Organise your own - its a long way!

2. Whilst on the river we are able to arrange for a driver to take your car from River Valley to the take out at Awastone - Costs is $200 for the first vehicle and then $100 for each vehicle after that which we will divide up fairly. Keep in mind if you are traveling from the South it's better to leave your vehicle at Awastone and shuttle up to River Valley from Awastone. Those coming from the North can potentially shuttle some from Awastone like I did last year. There is a $10 fee to leave your vehicle parked at Awastone.

3. We can also arrange for Awastone or River Valley to provide a shuttle in their 10 seater van. Cost is around $250 but varies a little as the driver is paid by the hour. It is a long shuttle, a good hour either way. Costs will be split by those that use this service but if we get 10 people that's only $25 each!

In the past numbers have worked out perfect with 10 people from the South getting a shuttle from Awastone up to River Valley on the Friday afternoon.

Then on the Sunday 10 people caught a shuttle from Awastone back to their cars at River Valley. 20 people in total.

Remember to bring the following:

All packrafting gear; including whitewater helmet and PFD

All overnight gear including tents, sleeping bags, etc

Food and cooking equipment

Money for paying Awastone/River Valley for their services

This trip is for PRANZ members, if you are not a members sign up here

https://member.hivepass.app/register?ts=pranz&dylid=r8YsNHIivNArcEuJjVDa

Any questions or queries, please call or message - Gemma Potaka 0274832458

Contact the host of Rangitīkei Overnighter 2026

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