Ode to the Gnarwhal: The Best Beginner’s Packraft When people ask me what the best beginner’s packraft is, I don’t have to think too hard — it’s the Alpacka Gnarwhal. Stable, forgiving, versatile as hell… if you’re only going to own one boat, this is the one I’d point you towards every …
Packrafting Queenstown Hike. Paddle. Explore. Begin your journey.
By far the best trip
I came to Queenstown for 5 days and did all the bungy jumping, swinging, rafting and jet boats and while they were all great. This was by far the best trip I did. I showed up in the morning to the pickup spot and was greeted by the guide Hugh. He informed me that the other five people on the trip had a last minute change in plans and that it was just going to be us. I was shocked that they would still do the trip with just me but he made no issue with it. It was a great time. We hiked in the Reese valley for about two hours along the river surrounded by mountains, fog and a light rain which only made the river better. We only passed a hand full of people that couldn’t figure out why I was carrying a paddle and no boat. Hugh told them about the inflatable packrafts in our packs and couple you could tell wish they were on our trip. We had a great lunch and then inflated the rafts and kayaked back to the van passing many of the hikers we had crossed earlier. If your looking for a trip that allows you to soak up more of beautiful area and still have a little rafting adventure then this can’t be beat. Hugh was great and easy to talk to with a lot of knowledge of the area. I think he sold me on getting a packraft too.
Dane
USA
