Water activity

Queenstown: White Water Surfing Along the Kawarau River

Top rated
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Water activity
Queenstown: White Water Surfing Along the Kawarau River
Top rated
4.9
21 reviews

Take on this epic whitewater adventure. Experience up to grade 3 rapids with some of the best river boarding guides in the world.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 4.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
Please meet at the Loading Zone at 5 Duke Street (opposite the Sofitel) at your departure time. Self-drive - Please be at our base at Roaring Meg Power Station, Kawarau Gorge Rd, Kawarau Gorge 9384, 45 minutes after the departure time.. Please drive down to the Power Station and wait for us in the car park.
Small group
Limited to 10 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

K
Krissy – Australia

An exhilarating experience - what Queenstown is all about! It’s just you and your boogie-board riding the rapids with help from the leaders when you need it - they are the best (Sam and Harrison). To enjoy this adventure, you need to be confident in the water, and listen to the experts.

O
Olivia – Australia

Highly recommend the white water surfing! A great option to get amongst the rapids in a safe and very fun environment, rather than doing white water rafting. Water temp was super comfortable with the thick wetsuits and managed really well by the team, who are friendly and informative. Highly, highly recommend!

Highlights

  • Bodyboard up to 12km down the iconic Kawarau River
  • Experience grade 2-3 river rapids
  • Try something unique and exciting that will take you out of your comfort zone

Full description

Bodyboard up to 12km down the iconic Kawarau River. You’ll enjoy riding white water rapids and even get a chance to try surfing on standing waves, riding whirlpools as well as catching some underwater currents if you are brave enough. The fast Kawarau River bursts with energy, and this trip will challenge your nerves from start to finish. About 1-1.5 hours will be spent in the river. 

The bodyboards are light and highly maneuverable, allowing you to be more active in the water. It's the perfect choice for someone looking for the ultimate adventure. You can even choose your own board depending on how much adrenaline you can handle. River surfing is best suited for people who want the full white water experience.

You'll get the opportunity to also enjoy some of New Zealand's spectacular scenery on the more gentle parts of the river, and you can also stop for a jump from the cliffs along the river.

Includes

  • Return transportation from Queenstown
  • Use of full steam 5mm wetsuit
  • Use of helmet, wet shoes and life jacket
  • Use of bodyboard
  • Light snacks and refreshments
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Not suitable for

  • Children under 8 years
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users
  • Non-swimmers

Select participants and date

Important information

What to bring

  • Swimwear
  • Towel

Not allowed

  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • A full refund will be given provided you cancel at least 48 hours prior to departure. No Refund within 48 hours of departure.
  • We reserve the right to cancel or amend any trip due to dangerous river conditions, insufficient numbers, or client unsuitability.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 21 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.9/5
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Recommended
K
Krissy – AustraliaOctober 21, 2024 – Verified booking
An exhilarating experience - what Queenstown is all about! It’s just you and your boogie-board riding the rapids with help from the leaders when you need it - they are the best (Sam and Harrison). To enjoy this adventure, you need to be confident in the water, and listen to the experts.
O
Olivia – AustraliaApril 30, 2024 – Verified booking
Highly recommend the white water surfing! A great option to get amongst the rapids in a safe and very fun environment, rather than doing white water rafting. Water temp was super comfortable with the thick wetsuits and managed really well by the team, who are friendly and informative. Highly, highly recommend!
A
Annukka – VietnamJanuary 22, 2024 – Verified booking
If you're craving for adrenaline, choose this over rafting. You feel the power of the water way more intense when you're actually in there. We were divided into groups of 8 with two guides, but this felt like a bit too much. It is really hectic in the rapids and we were both bumping into each other and drifting apart a lot. I would have felt safer with a bit smaller group. Anyway, the guides were really good and managed to keep us all safe at all times. Bodyboarding in the white water is definitely and experience you can't try in many places (safely I mean, don't try this alone even if you have a board and a rapids). It is an extreme sport, both scary and really fun. If you're fit and crave for adrenaline I recommend this, but If you're not sure you're ready for this, they did have on their website also other less extreme options for floating in the river, it's definitely worth checking out!

Product ID: 358485

Activity provider:Serious Fun Riverboarding

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