Queenstown: Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting
4.5 hours
Queenstown, New Zealand
About this activity
A scenic route down the waters of the Kawarau River brings the perfect conditions for those new to white water rafting!
Highlights
- Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the beautiful Kawarau River
- Enjoy plenty of whitewater action and soak in the spectacular scenery
- Take on New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid
- Discover stunning surroundings used as film backdrops in major motion pictures
- New cliff-jumping section for adventure junkies (optional and weather dependent).
- Hot showers post-trip at the Rafting Base.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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.
Included / Excluded
- • Roundtrip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base
- • 25-minute jet boat transfer
- • 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
- • Hotel pickup and drop-off
- • Food and drinks
Meeting point
Start Location
RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre, RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, Queenstown, New Zealand
Important information
Know before you book
- • This activity is not suitable for those who weigh less than 40-kilograms and those who weigh more than 120-kilograms, pregnant women, those who are less than 13-years-old, 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 traveling 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
Know before you go
- You will need to bring swimwear and a towel. There are showers available after the trip. Anything valuable should be left behind at your accommodation or placed in the secure lockers at the shop in town.
- 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.
- RealNZ 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.
Health & restrictions
Not recommended for
- People with heart ailments
- People with medical conditions
- Pregnant Women
Age, Height, Weight
- Minimum age: 13
- Minimum weight: 40 kg
- Maximum weight: 120 kg
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Reviews
Eva
Oct 20265.0
A lovely cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the beautiful old TSS Earnslaw! It was fascinating to see how they used to load coal onto the ship and how they still do it today. The ship has so much old fashioned charm and history, making the experience feel like stepping back in time. The scenery was stunning, and the cruise was a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the lake. Definitely worth experiencing!
Shane
Oct 20265.0
fantastic service by all staff, unfortunately the weather didn't play the game for us. but we enjoyed our day
Claire
Oct 20265.0
Feeding the animals we great to watch. The sheep dog rounding up the sheep was the highlight. Afternoon tea was much more than expected.