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South IslandRiver rafting

Our most recommended South Island River rafting

Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

1. Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

Raft the Kawarau River, perhaps better known as the River Anduin in Lord of the Rings, for a great half-day activity in Queenstown This is a perfect introduction to whitewater rafting for first-timers. There will be plenty of rapids action plus time to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Catch the free shuttle from the centre of town out to the raft base where you will be fitted out with all your gear. From there, head back into the heart of Queenstown to catch your jet boat transfer. Take on the beginning 22 km of the Kawarau river at 95 km/h with thrilling 360-degree spins as you arrive at the rafting station. Your rafting adventure covers 8-kilometers of the river. Take on grade 2-3 rapids and perhaps the occasional grade 2-4 rapid, when there are higher water levels. These are usually easier to navigate and there is less risk of falling out. Enjoy flat stretches of river between the rapids where you have the opportunity to race your friends on the other rafts or jump out and swim. Keep an eye on the other rafts, as there is a good chance of a water fight. Conclude your adventure by rafting the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand, the Dog Leg. This is a 400-meter long and grade 3/4 rapid. Add some extra excitement by joining in on the optional cliff jumping section, or sit back and watch your friends take a leap.

Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Trip

2. Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting on this river trip. Raft past the rugged beauty of the Shotover River, drive into Skippers Canyon, and cool off in the water. Meet in Queenstown and hop on a bus to head to Skippers Canyon and the Shotover River. At the river, get into your wetsuit and learn about your rafting equipment from your guide. After a safety briefing, get into the water to begin your adventure. Raft down the Shotover, shooting through 6 grade 4-5 rapids. Navigate the Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball rapids, before entering the darkness of the 170-meter-long Oxenbridge Tunnel. Between rapids, enjoy the calm water and the canyon's natural beauty. Cool off with a swim in the river or relax in the sun. Finish your rafting adventure with the challenging Cascade Rapid before arriving back at the base in Queenstown.

Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

3. Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Start the tour with a fun drive to the rafting take-off point via Skippers Canyon. The 4x4 drive is an experience in itself; the narrow dirt road hugs the canyon's sheer cliffs and offers spectacular views over the river you'll soon be soaring down. At the rafting base, get fitted in all your gear and listen to a full safety briefing.  Begin your whitewater rafting adventure from Deep Creek. Cruise over peaceful waters before heading towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon. Feel the adrenaline pumping as you paddle through the rapids and into the darkness of the historic, 550-foot Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting over Cascade Rapid to complete your adventure.

Hanmer Springs 2-Hour Rafting Tour

4. Hanmer Springs 2-Hour Rafting Tour

Experience the grade 2 rapids of the Waiau River on a 2-hour rafting experience in Hanmer Springs. Make your own way to the rafting base on the main road into Hanmer Springs and overlooking the river and Waiau Ferry Bridge. Located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch, the mountain town is a Mecca for fans of adventure activities, such as bungy jumps, quad bike safaris, and much more. Upon arrival, get a safety briefing from a fully-qualified rafting guide, and marvel at the surrounding rock formations, fault lines, and crystal-clear waters of the river. The water is so clear that you can often see trout or salmon swimming by. Navigate the grade 2 rapids for a soft rafting adventure that is perfect for families. Return to the base by jet boat and enjoy the surrounding mountains and forests from another perspective.

Wanaka: Full Day Packrafting Tour

5. Wanaka: Full Day Packrafting Tour

Join us on the adventure of a lifetime, paddling one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain rivers in our fun, inflatable packrafts. Location: Matukituki River, Mount Aspiring National Park Start your action packed day with a scenic shuttle drive beneath the towering mountains, glaciers and waterfalls of the Matukituki Valley. A stop on the way to enjoy a short walk to one of the beautiful valley waterfalls. After refreshments its gear-on, safety brief and paddle tuition before heading down-river on our stable and strong packrafts. Ride the wave trains, paddle into calm eddies and float with the river flow. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the river bank and play in turquoise swimming holes as you continue paddling down river. By the time the day is done your guide will have you paddling like a pro. This really is the perfect mix of fun, excitement and adventure in the most beautiful landscape there is.

Frequently asked questions about South Island River rafting

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Other Sightseeing Options in South Island

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What people are saying about South Island

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 9 reviews

One of the best experience my family and I had on the shot over river white water rafting trip. Via Real NZ and the rafting guides, Jess and Jacob were awesome and professional and friendly as. They made it fun and also safe to have the experience to its full value. Highly recommend this activity for any one visiting Queenstown.

Fantastic, fun experience. Our guide Tom was great, easy to talk to and made us feel at ease. We had a lovely cruise down the river, jumped off rocks, and then a fun jet boat return - would definitely recommend!

Great Team, an adrenaline rush. Definitely worth every penny. A must do when visiting Queenstown.

Very fun activity, jet boat ride into the rafting. staff were awesome

White water rafting was a highlight of our family holiday.