Private Tour
Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting
Overview
Available languages
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
Options
Shotover Raft
Shotover River: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting (grade 3-5) with 4WD adventure through Skippers Canyon
Operated by RealNZ
Reviews
202 reviews
The river is the star.
Tony B,
Jan 26, 2025
5.0Very 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
5.0Benji and guides were fun and professional, we felt very safe and well looked after. We will recommend the experience.
Great tour, we really had...
Byron C,
Jan 15, 2025
5.0Great tour, we really had so much fun. Team was professional and efficient at getting people where they needed to be. Harry was a great guide.
Fun for all ages!
Tanya C,
Jan 14, 2025
4.0The bus ride from Queenstown through skippers canyon is a bit sketchy and somewhat dangerous, but our host driver kept us laughing the whole way to keep us calm. Although somewhat of a production line to get everyone kitted up, it was well organised and staff were very helpful. Ensure you pack a towel and change of clothes. The rafting was a lot of fun, even though our group of 7 was split. The guides are very experienced and it was obvious safety was their priority at all times. A warm shower after is offered and is a nice way to end it. We had a blast, and would highly recommend the Shotover white water rafting experience to anyone up for some adventure. Yes you will get wet, but it’s so much fun.
Interesting mellow cruise
carl m,
Jan 7, 2025
5.0Our guide Morgan was very friendly and knowledgeable and made the experience that much better. The rapids were not as large as I had anticipated due to water flow but that can not be controlled and i enjoyed the more mellow cruise with my kids anyway
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