Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous 360 degree spins and speed. Discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness as we race you down the river to your next mode of transport. Then jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise.
Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies (optional). Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Must be able to swim
Rafting while pregnant is prohibited
Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited
Minimum weight 40kg
Maximum weight 120kg
Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
All travellers between the age of 16 and 17 years require a waiver to be signed by a guardian if they are unaccompanied
You must bring a swimsuit and towel
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
First your jet boat will race down the river to your next mode of transport, packing in those famous 360 spins and dramatic canyon walls as you discover the Kawarau River and it's pristine wilderness. After 30 mins jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of the river. Raft through grade 2-3 rapids, take in the beautiful views, choose to join in on the optional rock jumping section for added fun (1hr raft time) Please note for safety we have minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg to participate.
What‘s Included
Jet Boat ride to the rafting put-in point
Use of hot showers
Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
Food and drinks
Options
Kawarau Jet to Raft
2 Iconic Activities: Pair two of Queenstown's most iconic activities. Jet Boat and grade 2-3 whitewater rafting experience on the Kawarau River
Reviews
180 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great rafting event
danielak847,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip. Our guides Finn, Matt and Rajou were great. Felt super safe and had so much fun including river swimming, rock jumping and mastering big rapid sections. The jet boat ride to the start of the rafting was a great add on.
Unreliable service provider!
436tamasp,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We traveled from Europe to New Zealand, our rafting trip, which we booked for 2:00 PM, was canceled upon arrival by the company, saying they didn't have enough guides. They told us to come another time! We were very disappointed, I do not recommend this company!!!
Amazing trip - not to be missed!
charlesdA1961FO,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fabulous! Great fun! Very professional outfit with lots of laughs along the way. Harry’s stories kept us amused and Morgan’s excellent raft guiding skills kept us engaged and safe, and ensured we had an amazing time!
A MAJOR part of an epic vacation!!!
billh245,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The double-play of the jet boat AND the river raft was perfect!!!!!!!!! Our driver on the jet boat was BADASS!!!!!!!
Rafting so nice we did it twice
Culture04001156460,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did Kawarau with Sia and had such a blast we came right back to do Shotover. Lucky enough to have Sia again and Olly as our guides. If you’re in Queenstown rafting with this team is a must!
Cancelled with only an hour warning and no apology
boehnke,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00My wife and I reserved a white water rafting trip near Queenstown with RealNZ earlier this week. Just an hour before we to report for our tour today, we received a phone call saying the trip was cancelled owing to too few people having signed up. The person who called offered no apology and no option besides a refund or a tour the next day which he said would probably also be cancelled. I was stunned that a large and supposedly reputable company would behave so poorly. While cancelling was within their rights by contract, informing us so close to the departure time and offering no apology is simply bad business practice. Before booking, please be aware that this is the way they do business.
Jet boat & white water-rafting. Queenstown.
Sharon B,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Very good rafting guide (Cai). Nice folks. Beautiful blue-colored water and several opportunities to swim. Wet suit, jacket and booties kept me warm and equipment was in very good condition. Clear safety instructions on how to paddle and ride in the raft. Jet boat to the rafting launch site was fun.
Two girls and a paddle
K9230UGchristinal,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The rafting was so fun - jumped in the water several times - natural cold plunge! Our guides Kai and Raju were awesome. Can’t wait to come back and do it again!
Tremendous fun. CIA and Francie were great guides. Our group of 4 had an amazing experience.
Ellen M,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Francie and Sia we’re amazing
Righteous excursion!
701alexandrao,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amelia, Jesse, Finn, and Harry were a top notch crew who ensured we had a righteous good time! Whole experience was timely, well communicated and full of good humor. Had a great time and look forward to booking the gnarlier experience on the next go.
From NZ$319.00
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Operated by RealNZ