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
324 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was amazing. We...
Crystal D,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing. We definitely got more than our money's worth from this great trip. I went with my 13-year-old son and we both had a blast. Highly recommended!
Great trip with guide Benjy
stanleyrudkin,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip led by our guide Benjy. Starts with a pretty interesting (!) coach ride through skippers canyon and then you get loads of time on the water. Really exciting over the rapids but still feels super safe and well managed by the guides. They even shared some really interesting facts about the river and its history as well
Shoutout to the staff!
Fearless28498625872,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best day out on the Shotover River. The team made the trip so fun! Big shoutout to Benji and Josh!!
Unreal Experience
peightonj2026,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rafting the Shotover was a wicked experience and a ton of fun! Benji was a sick guide, with good banter and the river is full of history and sweet rapids! Definitely recommend! Shoutout Josh the driver #weloveyoujosh
Fantastic experience and exciting even for a first time nervous customer.
pru h,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I was extremely nervous and the guide on boat was so thorough explaining and looking after us throughout so I felt so pleased I did the whole thing.
Thrilling ride . Great guide Sia
Leigh W,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a spectacular afternoon with Sia at the helm. The river is gorgeous, the ride both fun and in parts thrilling! The ride up the mountain to the start was the most thrilling!
Brilliant fun
Venture67670656285,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide Jacob made this a brilliant trip thankyou
Awesome!
jodil801,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Most awesome experience! Scenery was amazing! Guides were amazing! Would recommend this if you want a thrill ride. We are 60ish couple and we loved it! Gulch we went through had several class 4 rapids!!! Only downside is I wish we could have gotten more pictures from the trip of the scenery.
Beautiful river.
Venture16364756330,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful trip down the Shot over river. Love the history of the gold mining and the bigger rapids were a blast. Thanks Matty you rock!
Excellent
Robert D,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was awesome, great, and fun. Excellent, and I will definitely do it again and bring friends to do it again.
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