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Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting

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Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

You must bring a swimsuit and towel

Maximum weight 120kg

Minimum weight 40kg

Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian

Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited

Rafting while pregnant is prohibited

Must be able to swim

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Use of hot showers

Coach transport to and from Raft Base

Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided

Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques

Food and drinks

What To Expect

Meet our team at the RealNZ Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street, Queenstown to begin your adventure! The courtesy coach will take you to raft base to collect all the gear included as part of the package. Once your all kitted up and ready to go, the raft guides will take you to the beginning of the rapids for the extensive safety briefing. Raft through grade 2-3 rapids, take in the beautiful views, choose to join in on the optional rock jumping section for added fun. Please note for safety we have minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg to participate.

Options

Kawarau Whitewater Rafting

Reviews

4.88

33 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

30
2
1
0
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  • Great tour!!

    Bec S,

    Apr 1, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The guides were fun and we had the extra privilege of having 3 Polytech students on the trip too! Great work looking after the guests AND THE students! The students were fantastic too! Thanks to all!! Well done.

  • Nice tour with Morgan

    Adriana A,

    Jan 5, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Staffs are friendly. There is a small ice breaker session during the bus ride and also while enjoying the views in the raft. They try to get everyone bonded which was nice. It was also a great tour with Morgan. She was very informative and always ready to answer our questions. She even shared her experience with us. Highly recommended tour, safety aspect was really good too!!

From NZ$239.00

4.88
33 reviews
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