Private Tour
Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join our Queenstown Rafting team on the iconic Shotover River for a whitewater rapid adventure. Your adventure begins with a short transfer from Queenstown to the Rafting Base, where you'll be fitted with wetsuit, rafting clothing and safety gear.
From there, enjoy a 40-minute drive along the historic Skippers Canyon Road, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and reputation as one of New Zealand's most dangerous roads. Once you arrive at Deep Creek, you'll start on the upper section of the Shotover River,
where our world class guides will help you practise paddling techniques.
As you move into the lower canyon, the excitement builds with rapids like After Shock, Jaws, Toilet, and Sequel. The highlight of the journey comes as you plunge into the darkness of the 170-metre-long
Oxenbridge Tunnel before bursting into Cascade Rapid for a thrilling finish. After a short walk back to the Rafting Base, you can warm up with hot showers before returning to Queenstown.
Additional Info
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 travelers 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
Rapids vary with water levels. Shotover route usually includes class 3-5 rapids, depending on conditions
Digital photos included to remember your adventure!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Your adventure begins with a short transfer from Queenstown to the Rafting Base, where you'll be fitted with a wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, and helmet. From there, enjoy a 40-minute drive along the historic Skippers Canyon Road, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and reputation as one of New Zealand's most dangerous roads. Once you arrive at Deep Creek, you'll start on the upper section of the Shotover River, where your guide will help you practise paddling techniques. As you move into the lower canyon, the excitement builds with rapids like After Shock, Jaws, Toilet, and Sequel. The highlight of the journey comes as you plunge into the darkness of the 170-metre-long Oxenbridge Tunnel before bursting into Cascade Rapid for a thrilling finish. After a short walk back to the Rafting Base, you can warm up with hot showers before returning to Queenstown. Please note for safety we have minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg to participate
What‘s Included
Safety briefing: comprehensive instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
Post-rafting comfort: Hot showers at Rafting Base
Scenic 4WD Transfer: Travel along the iconic Skippers Canyon Road to your starting point
Whitewater rapid adventure: Navigate the thrilling rapids of the Shotover River
Return transport: Shuttle bus from our Queenstown store to the Rafting Base and back
All necessary gear provided: Full wetsuit, rafting clothing and safety equipment
Food and drinks
Options
Shotover Raft
Shotover River: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting (grade 3-5) with 4WD adventure through Skippers Canyon
Reviews
307 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing!
louisefY8970MG,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, really enjoyed. Nico was a fantastic guide - great at explaining everything, very enthusiastic and funny. We had a great time and would recommend to anyone. You are even luckier if you get Nico as a guide!
Exhilarating Experience!
Resort11973419303,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This white water rafting trip was incredible! Everything was well organized and safety was their number 1 priority. I never felt that I was at risk at anytime. They have so many precautions set in place for your safety. The guides were experienced and full of knowledge. I would recommend this experience and would love to do it again!
Oarsome Fun!
825glenh,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family of five had a fabulous time whitewater rafting. The whole experience was great fun and we felt a super sense of achievement navigating the whitewater rapids. Our guide Morgan was a fantastic leader and we always felt we were in safe hands. The scenery is spectacular and there's nothing like everyone pitching in to get the job done. Thanks for a truly memorable time.
All staff deserve their VISA's
Escape10890785711,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our entire experience was so much fun! All of the staff were so helpful and accommodating. All of the guides were absolute legends and experts with all aspects of the adventure and fun. We'd definitely come back again and do it all over again!
Fabulous!!
Trail26557674429,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with a really professional team who kept us safe and made sure we had enormous fun!
First and not last
cheryldD8968ZH,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous afternoon. Great journey to start of rafting even if nailbiting! Lots of instruction. Lots of fun. First time rafting but definitely not the last highly recommend.
Terrific thrilling and total trustworthy team!
Wander727637,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a thrilling experience & the team of professionals who led us through the whole experience were fabulous - competent, fun, engaging and made us all feel very safe & looked after. Would highly recommend any rafting trips with these guys! Finn's commentary on the bus (& dad jokes) were hilarious too!
Adrenaline ride!
505simonh,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A brilliant experience thank you!! Well organised, well led by Matt and the team, amazing fun!
Fast spin
davidjamesbanks,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant afternoon. Even the drive up to the start point is thrilling - thanks Rob for making it not too scary. Once on the water, Jess was an excellent guide, telling us some interesting history, in between the all important crew commands and safety briefings. A welcome surprise was that the pics were included for free - not professional but a great memory, much appreciated 👍🏻
Great afternoon on the water
Q2644YScraigf,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I had a great experience white water rafting on the Shotover River with RealNZ. Ky was the perfect guide for our rafting trip.
Related Experiences
Operated by RealNZ