Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Raft the gentle upper reaches of the Shotover River on this half-day trip through Skippers Canyon. You'll drive from Queenstown through a former gold-mining region and learn about this significant part of New Zealand's history. The Class I and II rapids are suitable for ages three years old and up.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Bring a swimsuit and towel
Member of the NZ Rafting Association
Qualmark accredited
TripAdvisor Excellence rating for 12 straight seasons
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Qualified rafting guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Transport to rafting base
Snacks
Specialized river rafting equipment
All activities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Family Adventures specialise in soft adventure trips, rafting the upper reaches of the famous Shotover River near Queenstown. Our trip by bus and raft is a unique way to experience the wonderful backcountry we have close by in Queenstown, and is suitable for everyone from 3 years upwards. Water confidence is NOT necessary.
Options
Summer 2023-24 Rafting
Afternoon Rafting Trip: We are specialists in soft adventure trips rafting the gentle upper reaches of the famous Shotover River. Suitable for everyone from 3 years old. Water confidence is not necessary!
Summer 2023-24 Rafting.
Morning Rafting Trip: We are specialists in soft adventure trips rafting the gentle upper reaches of the famous Shotover River. Suitable for everyone from 3 years old. Water confidence is not necessary!
Reviews
323 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great rafting
marian f,
Mar 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Luke and Mark were brilliant on the water. Mark brilliant driver on the narrow road. Would have loved a hot drink when we finished. But a great time.
First time we have done...
David H,
Mar 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00First time we have done this, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Simon and the crew made for an enjoyable experience. Spay yourself with insect repellent as there are quite a few sandflies around
Great for those too young to do bigger rapids
Rebecca a,
Jan 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Family adventures rafting was great, shuttle drivers holly and Luke did a good job trying to make the trip as best as could be, the road through skippers canyon was brutal, holly was amazing, arrrived at base camp to get kitted up with thermals and wetsuit, then off up river for a great trip back, Mark was our guide and photographer, he was great, good knowledge and sense of humour and most importantly knew the river well. They stopped along the way for a cool dip and then a rock jump into the fresh water, 🥶🥶🥶 then back to base for a cookie time before the return up skippers canyon. Would we recommend to people with kids, In the words of our 11 year old “it was fully sick bruh” so yes we would.
Wonderful Rafting Experience
Jacob T,
Dec 29, 2024
- Viator
5.00Fun trip for younger children as the rapid is mild and most enjoyable. The tour leaders were v patient and helpful.
So much fun!
Cliff M,
Sep 2, 2024
- Viator
5.00We had such a wonderful time! Our tour guide was a local and he was very friendly and helpful. It turned out we were the only family in this tour. And they didn’t cancel on us. So basically they gave us a private rafting tour. We were very grateful and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Everything was provided including wet suits. Even though the water was cold, we still jumped into the water and got some terrific photos. Highly recommend.
Related Experiences
Operated by Family Adventures