Packrafting New Zealand

My partner and I did the Hollyford/Pyke expedition with Arno and Rhod. First up was two days of training where Arno put us through our paces and taught us basic skills that would be required to get around the loop. Could not fault the quality of instuction and gear that was provided - top notch! The trip exceeded expecations and was epic from start to finish. Amazing scenery and a packraft is the perfect way to see it. Such an enjoyable trip, however be prepared to do some mahi as there will be some long days and heavy packs. Overall I would highly recommend (aside from Turkish Falafal - I recommend you choose another flavour meal for dinner ) We hope to return for another mission!
Mar 28th, 2023

I did the 2 day course followed by 5 day Hollyford-Pyke Loop in December and loved it. Arno is a great teacher and the scenery on the loop is breathtaking. Definitely not easy, he will make you work for it but 100% worthwhile
Jan 15th, 2023

The Hollyford loop with Arno and his skilled guides was wicked!!!! It was not by any means a walk in the park and required much effort on my end. You are required to paddle for 4-6 hours a day aswell as be fit enough to carry a heavy pack (20kg) over multiple kms aswell. A reasonable level of fitness and a POSITIVE mindset are required for this trip. The experience however is truly magnificent, challenging and exciting. Arno has built upon my skills and helped me become a safer and more efficient packrafter. I will definitely be back one day to run this loop with Arno again! Thanks Arno!!
Jan 8th, 2023

This expedition was epic. It all begins with a two day whitewater course that for the uninitiated [and even the initiated] puts you through your paces to prime you for the harder journey ahead. We were cold, wet, anxious and exhausted but loving it. The expedition begins on the back of tired muscles from the course and Arno clearly sets the expectations out in a non-nonsense but humorous way. He is the teacher, drill sargeant but also the mother hen and when you begin the expedition you can start to see why he stringently reinforces the need for both fitness and mental stamina! The subsequent expedition afforded the opportunity to build on your white water skills in a gorgeous backdrop of steep snow-capped mountains and glacier blue waters. The changing landscapes from rivers to lakes, estuaries, dunes and rainforest ensure that your eyes have so much to feast on. Your body is definitely very aware and deliciously sore as you traverse through these and pushes it to new limits you werent aware you had. The experience itself is most definitely challenging and fraught with moments where a small slip could spell danger but also some strangely serene moments of absolute stunning enmeshment with the Fiordlands. These moments in such a moody, mysterious but beautiful location created bonds and memories amongst our group which I absolutely cherish. So, for all curious about such an epic adventure consider yourself in for something truly special [very acceptable in Arno terms].
Nov 20th, 2022

Recently my friend and I did a two day training with Arno to prepare ourselves for packrafting the Hollyford Pyke loop. Arno taught us how to care for our packrafting equipment, use it effectively and also safety on the water. He also took the time to go through what we might encounter on the Hollyford Pyke river and how to navigate each day for the 5 day expedition. After two big days training with Arno we undertook the Hollyford Pyke circuit. The skills Arno taught us and the advice was a foundation that enabled our trip to be very successful. We were very grateful for his expertise. Thank you Arno!
Oct 22nd, 2022