Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Set amongst stunning mountains and pink marble formations, the Waiau River of Hanmer Springs provides an idyllic backdrop for a rafting trip. This 2-hour excursion offers a relaxing ride, with Grade II rapids making it a family-friendly activity. Learn about the region from your river guide, jump off a cliff (optional-river dependent) , then hold on as you get picked up in a jetboat to return back to base.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
No experience necessary on grade II rapids
Child age 6 to 13 years. Children must fit safety equipment in order to participate.
Reasonable standard of fitness required
Advisable to bring swimwear, towel, and sunscreen
What To Expect
Hanmer Springs
With the scenic Waiau River canyon set amongst stunning mountains and marble land formations, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience. A must-do adventure perfect for all ages, especially families and small groups.
Options
Hanmer Springs Rafting Adventure
Option 1: 2-hour Rafting adventure
What‘s Included
return jetboat ride
Wetsuit, booties, helmet, and life jacket
Rafting guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome River rafting experience
A8545VXnigelh,Apr 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an absolute blast. We all had an awesome time in the raft jumping off the rocks, river swimming and the jet boat ride back up to the bridge. Thoroughly recommend. Our guide Kade was a legend, awesome funny and chill.
Good & Bad
danielkayelene,Jan 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The experience had the bones of a 5 Star review but was let down by elements out of the staff’s control and some within their control. Positives - we were provided with all the necessary safety gear and wetsuits to keep us warm in the cold water. The rafting was suitable for novices and easy to navigate with the help of our guide, Amelia. We all had a terrific time jumping from the rocks into the icy water, then swimming furiously back to the rafts before being swept downstream by the fast current. The jet boat ride back was OK too - not thrilling but an experience in itself. Negatives - our experience was hampered by a large family group of 12 whom could not follow simple instructions by staff. Thus, everything took longer than it should - fitting of wet suits, rafting, returning to rafts after river jumps etc. Subsequently, our rafting experience did not meet the usual standards offered by this company. We were told by staff that to compensate us for a reduced experience, we would receive free photographs. We did not ask for this and were prepared to pay, however this token was offered to us. The electronic photos we received were covered by the company watermark. Efforts to contact HS Attractions by email have been unsuccessful - in fact they have not responded at all which has left a bad taste. However, I would still recommend this company. I think we just were unlucky with our fellow travellers whom were a little selfish.
Fun on the river
Tour10601595105,Sep 25, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the jet boat/rafting combination. Both were fun not too scary. Lovely friendly helpful staff. Very safely conscious.
A Must do!
L3380,Apr 18, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My children and I had the most amazing experience on the Rafting Adventure. Our guide Christian shared a lot about the environment from the native animals to learning about the seabed and the surrounding hills. The river was family friendly, loads to experience and learn. What a blast! Thank you
Rafting and jet boat
Elodie I,Mar 25, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with our guide Brayden. Jumped off and swam, plenty of fun for everyone. Thank you
A great family day out
Carl B,Jan 19, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was a great day out. We went as a group, 3 adults and 4 kids. The river is perfect for kids as a first rafting experience. Being grade 2 it's quite tame and so was easy for the kids to feel comfortable. The experience as a whole was great. Our guide, Christian, was very friendly and helpful.
Best fun!
BlueFantail2020,Jan 13, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the best fun, felt safe, guide was excellent and great with all of the group, individually and as a team. It was all of our first time rafting and I would definitely do it again.
Super fun day out
KirstenChristchurch,Jan 13, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Daniel was awesome. Such a fun day out with our teenage kids & their mates - all first time rafters. Loved the rock jump, thanks to Daniel's coaching, the not so keen ones still had a go & were so pleased with themselves. Jetboat ride back was great bonus. Very happy with the photos/videos to remember the day too.
Awesome family rafting experience
vicpollett,Jan 8, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very cool activity for our family, two adults and 6yo and 11yo kids! Our guide, Daniel, was fantastic!!! We highly recommend him for the rafting adventure. He is an expert in rafting, has a great sense of humour, and made our trip unforgettable with the rock jumping! Coming back in the jet boat is like a cherry on top!
Great family fun
Emjgs,Dec 15, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great family fun. Dan was a great guide, making it fun and safe. We had the bonus of the return trip in the jet boat which was awesome
Related Experiences
Operated by Hanmer Springs Attractions