Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
We are unique in that we offer this beautiful trip into our back yard with history from guides with over 30 years experience on the river and stories from maori elders going back 33 generations (or so).
Also we pride ourselves on our homemade light lunch and the fact we can pick up from the ship.
All trips get clients back onto the cruiseships well before departure.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
This trip starts from either your ship or in Napier city, then bus one hour into the heart of the north island. Thie activity is a scenic raft trip down grade 2 rapids whilie listening to bird song. Also included is a narrative on the local history of the area going right back 80 million years, through to pre european times with local maori and into the near past and present. This activity is also great for families with children being able to swim down river and drinking the fresh water all in a safe environment. Grade 2 rapids are fun but small so if you dont wish to get to wet dont jump in. Photos of your trip are available either mailed to you or on our facebook page free of charge. A homemade light lunch is provided afterwards before heading back to your ship or to Napier to checkout Art deco buildings. Timewise we like everyone back on board your ship 2 hours before ship departure. All safety and rafting equipment is supplied, just bring Bathers if you wish, a towel and sunscreen.
What‘s Included
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup points
napier
Options
Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier
Pickup included
Reviews
184 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exceptional experience not to be missed
Luigi O,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Exceptional experience to do definitely. Deon set this up right. Welcome at the port, transport, everything you need for rafting (helmet, lifebuoy, water shoes and more), lunch by the river. Our group leader named Dallas, he was great and nice. While sailing he told us many things past and present about the places we saw. The hike is easy. Even for those who are older there is no problem.
Happy Rafter
karen B,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to spend a few hours. Great fun and well organised. Our guide was Dallas and he was well informed on the area. Lunch was basic but very enjoyable. Home made treats were lovely
River Raft Saturday Jan 31, 2026
JeannetteO20,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent raft scout with Jen. She was friendly, knowledgeable, & knew how to get us through the waters. She also made sure we had fun & stayed safe! The entire tour, including having a lunch for us afterwards was fantastic! We would do it again & have recommended to everyone! Thank you for a great experience!
A good one!
xbj4dvwzq5,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fabulous! Beautiful scenery, the rapids are easy for a mixed age/ fitness level group to navigate. Shout out to Mikey- he’s awesome. All the guides seemed very knowledgeable and personable. Pre tour guidance was excellent.
good times
mark p,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00a great experience, rapids are quite tam, only grade 2. Still good fun. Jen our guide was alot of fun and awesome. The family had a great time. Deon was great with communication, especially as we were on cruise ship, which arrived late. Definately recommend.
Awesome
I5947CSpaull,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you're looking for a genuine Kiwi experience, you can't go wrong with this trip. Deon is a very knowledgeable, laid back and friendly tour guide. We were collected from our hotel and taken out to his home, where we met his wife, Grandson, dogs and Barbara the sheep. We were kitted out with all the gear we needed before heading out to the river where we spent a few hours cruising down the river and learning about the local culture, before being collected and taken back to Deon's for a bite to eat. A fantastic family day out, highly recommended.
Don't miss this one
Scott D,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great trip. The rafting is easy, the views stunning. Deon runs a great show. All abilities and ages catered for.
It was absolutely...
Elissa k,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was absolutely awesome! Great communication before we got there, picked up just as we were told from our cruise ship, the river was beautiful & suitable for our family (3 kids, 16, 14 & 11) very friendly. Definitely recommend it!!! So much fun!
Wonderful time
BSANCHEZITY,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a beautiful and fun trip down the Mohaka River. Smooth and lovely trip, kiddos loved it. Guide and tour operators were all so easy to work with and learn from!
Fabulous tour
Danielle B,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour. All staff were very friendly and helpful. The rafting was so much fun., and we enjoyed the lunch as well. Highly recommend!
From NZ$225.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Raft Fish NZ