Is it your first time rafting? The Kawarau River is ideal if you are looking for a more relaxed rafting experience. Enjoy a scenic, playful, and fun adventure including a thrilling jet boat ride to the launch site.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 4.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the beautiful Kawarau River
- Enjoy plenty of whitewater action and time to soak in the spectacular scenery
- Take on New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid
- Discover stunning scenery used as film backdrops in major motion pictures
- Start your adventure with a thrilling high speed jet boat ride
- Challenge yourself with heart-pumping optional cliff jumps
Full description
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.
Includes
- Roundtrip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base
- 40-minute jet boat transfer (optional)
- 2-hour rafting experience on the Kawarau River
- Experienced rafting guides
- Extensive safety briefing
- All rafting and safety equipment including wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit booties, and life jacket
- Hot showers
Not suitable for
- Children under 13 years
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with heart problems
- People over 264 lbs (120 kg)
- People under 88 lbs (40 kg)
- Non-swimmers
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Please arrive 20 minutes in advance.
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What to bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
Not allowed
- Cameras
Know before you go
- This activity is not suitable for pregnant women, those less than 13 years old, those less than 40-kilograms, or those with a heart condition or taking heart medication
- All participants must sign a waiver form
- Rafters under 16 years old must have a guardian travel with them and all rafters under 18 years old must have a waiver form signed by a guardian
- Rafters must be water-confident, able to swim in fast-moving water, and agree to carefully follow instructions from the guides
- Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants' safety
- The rafts are large enough to carry six or seven people plus your rafting guide
- The rafting operator reserves the right to refuse participation and cancel or amend any trips due to river, road, or weather conditions or insufficient numbers in the interest of all rafters’ safety
