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‘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
Photos included: complimentary digital photos sent directly to you after your experience
All necessary gear provided: Full wetsuit, rafting clothing and safety equipment
Food and drinks
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. Enjoy complimentary digital photos sent directly to you after your experience! Please note for safety we have minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg to participate
Options
Shotover Raft
Shotover River: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting (grade 3-5) with 4WD adventure through Skippers Canyon
Reviews
219 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Pro experience start to...
avery l,
Apr 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Pro experience start to finish. Get you on and get it going. Driver had us smiling the whole time. Really a fun experience.
Great fun
Amy B,
Apr 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00A great day out rafting! Highly recommend a lot of fun. Easy transport and finish line ideally next to a brewery!
Was transferred to the other tour (Kawarau) - disappointed
Laura H,
Mar 27, 2025
- Viator
1.00Booked the shotover tour (grade 4/5) that was cancelled and transferred onto the Kawarau river rafting (grade 2/3) instead as the water level was too low to go on the shotover. Apparently the shotover tour hadn’t been running for 2 months because of the water level, and would have needed 2 weeks of rain to make it viable…so not sure why I was allowed to book and pay for it in the first place..? The trip we went on was like a lazy river.. 2 or 3 very brief rapids (5-10 seconds at most) in the whole rafting experience, and then we just sat in silence drifting for the rest of it. Felt pretty disappointed - no fault of the staff who were polite and nice, but If I had known what it was like I wouldn’t have chosen to do this activity. The 4 other people in our group had the same feelings as me and my friend. Ultimately, If your shotover tour gets cancelled, go for the refund…
The river is the star.
Tony B,
Jan 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very professional. Fantastic trip. The river is worth it, but the whole operation is so slick that it matches the river. Bonus star for not gouging customers for the photos.
Loved it. Will do it again!
Kath M,
Jan 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00Benji and guides were fun and professional, we felt very safe and well looked after. We will recommend the experience.
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