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
315 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Craziest experience of all
annadurand20,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was the craziest experience I ever did. Struggled to get back swimming against the stream to get back on the boat. Lucky for me Sia our guide was so good and she got me back to the boat . It was so much fun . I didn’t think I could make it but I did . Great experience for my 60th not sure I could do this in ten years so glad I did it now
Amazing experience
Jane B,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an experience! I was in two minds whether to go but so glad I did! Professionally run. Safety was everyone’s prime concern. All staff were friendly, knowledgeable and humorous. I felt safe and well taken care of. The safety briefings and the equipment were top class. Special shout out to Andrea driving us through Skippers Canyon and Guy out boat captain!! Spectacular 🤩
Incredible Experience!!!
leeleeD1980,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible - literally one of the best things we have ever done!!! Guide was fantastic, the views are just amazing, never seen anywhere like it before and the rapids were incredible!!!! One of the best days!! Couldn’t recommend it more!!
Great experience for almost all abilities.
Justin T,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very good first time experience rafting, the guide was excellent and a good day was had by all. If you are not sure about rafting yet this experience will definitely glide you into it safely and enjoyable. Shotover river was stunning with the valley and views always impressive. Real NZ provides free photos to download which is awesome as not many tour operators do, thanks Real NZ!
Awesome trip and guide!
anitawO4745VI,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an awesome experience. The drive up was a bonus experience - hairy and spectacular - great driver! The staff are all so good at getting the important information across with humour. The rafting was exciting and the scenery was stunning. Biggest shout out goes to Muz, our guide. So skilled at steering the raft and guiding the customers with fun and interesting conversation. She’s a star!
A brilliant experience
X1013TYaldom,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience. Highly recommended. Drive through Skippers Canyon was a great way to start. Rafting on river was magic. Professionally run. Thanks for the photos. Shout out to our raft guide Harry for looking after us.
Exhilarating and professional throughout.
Sally S,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic! Everyone can enjoy this! I was scared to death and tte drive to the start was scary but I felt safe all the way. We had Hannah as our captain and she was incredible- we practised the moves needed and she was so informative. Nobody in our boat fell out and I felt so safe under Hannah’s guidance throughout. The rapids were exhilarating and yes we got wet but that’s all part of it. I highly recommend the trip
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!
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Operated by RealNZ