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
346 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excitement plus!
Emma M,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very well organised company. From meeting at the dock, to getting safety gear sorted, to the skilled driver taking us into the canyon. Clear and concise instructions throughout the rafting. SIA was our guide, she was amazing, made everyone in the boat feel comfortable. Her knowledge as we paddled down the river was excellent, telling us all about the water and the canyon. I took my 21 year old son, first time for both of us, we both absolutely loved this! Encourage anyone who can swim to give it a go!
SO FUN
evamunden1,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loooved white water rafting!! It was my first time ever doing it and I found it really fun and exciting! Jacob was great he made the whole experience feel super safe even through all the rapids! Would definitely recommend - it was one of the best things I have done in Queenstown!
Great way to spend a half day in QT.
bhktrojan,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very professional and organized company. High marks for safety and friendliness. Beautiful river gorge and lovely clean, clear water that you can drink unfiltered. The only thing that drops a star is on the government not the company; mandatory drop to the center of the boat for rapids takes a bit of fun and adventure off if you are an experienced rafter but I understand the safety based decision, especially if there are rookies on board. Went end of summer with low water but there were still good drops and technical rafting. Guide, Raj, had great stories from international whitewater experiences. 5mm wetsuits and boots kept us plenty warm. Free photos were a nice touch. Canyon Brewery next door has very good food and beer when you’re done and guides will join you for a chat.
Had an amazing time on...
Braden F,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an amazing time on the water. Our guide was Mark and he was great! Would definitely recommend these guys
This experience is so...
Zara C,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience is so worthwhile, one of the best things we did in Queenstown! All the staff are so friendly and helpful (and everything’s provided for you) and the rafting is much longer and fun than expected!
Brilliant fun and so exciting. Nothing to fear here!
OnAir38072842511,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A bit frightened to start with, but our lovely guide Harry was funny,friendly and most importantly, re- assuring which helped enormously. Once we got going,it was so much fun, and I realised only fear holds us back. What a life enhancing moment at age 65!
Fabulous exper
Adrienne H,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent time white water rafting. Very well organised from start to finish. Challenging but instructors were very safety conscious and fun too. Coulnt recommend this activity more.
Highlight of Queenstown!
Carter P,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.005 out of 5 Stars! Sia skillfully guided us on what ended up being a highlight of our trip, white water rafting shot over river. I had never rafted but my experienced partner had and we both had a blast. I’d do this again in a heartbeat.
You need to go!
Climber01975015400,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience! A 100% go to activity in Queenstown. It was my first time rafting and absolutely fun. Great view coupled with some rapid crossing. The crews are amazing and very experienced with the river. Definitely recommended.
Best rafting in Queenstown
Inspire29980589872,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing! Great views and professional staff. Highly recommended.
Related Experiences
Operated by RealNZ