Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting

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

4.89

35 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

White water rafting
alyssar227,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had an amazing time, Matt was our guide (we also had the bonus of Frances) and they made the experience great. The guides took great care in making this adventure safe. Matt was funny, engaging, calm and clearly knew his job well. Would 110% recommend this experience to anyone and would do this again.
fun times with great guides!! highly recommend
423phoebehu,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
had the best white water rafting experience with Raju, Benji, Guy, Harry, Danny & co!! Such fun and experienced people. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an exciting and also beautiful experience of the river.
Absolutely awesome day!
U2921IFdavek,
Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Zane was the GOAT of all guides and made the day an absolute cracker. There was something for everyone in my family from the thrill seeking kids to the nature loving wife. I would recommend this to everyone! Thanks for a terrific day Zane and the rest of the Real NZ crew.
Unforgettable First Rafting Experience – 5 Stars All the Way!
JuliGyorbol,
Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was our first time white water rafting, and it was a great experience. Everything was well organised, Mark and the team made sure we felt safe and comfortable throughout. From cliff jumping to swimming in the refreshing water, riding the rapids was fun and an unforgettable adventure. The autumn colours along the Kawarau River were stunning and made the whole experience even more memorable. Highly recommended for first-timers!
Exceptional Adventure
eeshaj2025,
Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an incredible experience, and the rafting guides were so friendly—it made the whole adventure even more enjoyable.
Thrills and spills on the Kawarau
tejinderg2022,
Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had the most amazing experience on the Kawarau River. Perfect day, awesome scenery, just enough thrills to not be too overwhelming. The guides were all fabulous and did their utmost to ensure we had a fantastic experience. Loved every minute :)
A must do!
Bob G,
Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely brilliant experience. Scenery is stunning and staff are very competent and great fun. Thoroughly recommended.
Great tour!!
Bec S,
Apr 1, 2025
- Review from 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.
Exciting and so much fun
L710LOangelab,
Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a fantastic rafting trip. The rapids were alot of fun, of course. The last one (dog bend, I think) was particularly exciting. And there was more we didn't even expect - jumping into the river from the cliff (low and high depending on your level of fear) and swimming in the river. It was awsome and the river was beautiful. I would definitely do this again and highly recommend it.
Brilliant trip for old farts! We’ll be back!
katemQ5246PX,
Mar 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This trip was fantastic! I’m 60 and my partner is 63. This was our first time to white water raft so I was a bit nervous after I read the risk information! The guides really looked after us and really know their stuff. I felt like I was in great hands. Aside from the guide in your raft there are also kayakers that come along that can help you if you need it. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and the river so turquoise! There was plenty of opportunity to just float along and relax but there was also the exhilaration of the rapids. Not scary but so much fun! Free photos are emailed to you after the trip……and they are great. Such a good job at capturing everyone. We will be back for sure! Thank you to all staff for such a brilliant experience.