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‘s Included
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
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.
Options
Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier
Pickup included
Reviews
163 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This is a wonderful tour....
Deena R,
Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a wonderful tour. Deon and his wife Jo are great. It was so relaxing and a lot of fun.. It’s a mild river, so it’s great if older family members want to attend. I highly recommend this tour.
Great fun
U8464JKmelp,
Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Had a great time with Dallace and Deon. Well worth the early morning wake up. The drive out was beautiful and scenic. Loved it
Great day
Linda A,
Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great day with fun, laughs, great people and great hosts. Highly recommend this activity and this operator Thanks again it was fun
Great excursion with a personal touch
Lori M,
Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Superior service ! Dion contacted us several times ahead of the excursion to make sure we clearly understood where to meet (tricky port). We had a great time and laughed almost the whole day. They provide everything you need stay warm and safe, even included a great lunch. Our group had two first time rafters and Dion made sure to make them feel comfortable. Great day and highly recommend!
Great adventure
W1856XHterryg,
Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing adventure even if water levels were low. Guides were excellent and the scenery was amazing. Overall, worth the trip
You will be back in time for gangway up - DO IT
amanda s,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you are worried about not getting back to your cruise on time….DON’T BE!!!! David was our guide on the 1hr bus trip to base. He was so knowledgeable for only being in NZ 16yrs??? Loved his jokes😝 Scenery to base is amazing with lots of recent facts about the area. Not going to spoil it for you. This was the best shore excursion during our cruise to NZ. We had 2 port cancellations due to bad weather, but this excursion was THE highlight of our trip! Deon is an absolute hoot and Mike our river guide was so knowledgeable about the area. Together this team made this a most memorable trip. Not to mention the beautiful & serene scenery on the river! To top it all off, Deon’s lovely wife provided us with a scrummy yummy lunch, snacks & drinks.❤️ JUST DO IT! Thanks Deon and Mike for keeping us dry…ish;-)
First Raft Trip - AMAZing!!
Z6980VEhelenp,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the privilege of having Deon as our raft captain. The scenery was so beautiful and the water so very clear, the raft crew were a bundle of joy and even if this wasn't so, Deon would have made up for it, with his commentary and fun-loving nature. We saw our first bumble bee and Deon had a unique way of removing it from our helmet, but splashing up. A welcome, refreshing spray of beautifully fresh NZ river water :) Thanks Deon, the whole trip was great, from the commentary in the bus on the way to the river to fun on the river, lunch and the trip home. Best ever!!
Rafting was very fun. The...
shellsub,
Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Rafting was very fun. The guide, Deon, was very entertaining. We floated for 2 hours and were treated to a lovely lunch at his home by his wife. I especially liked they provided us with all the equipment we needed.
Enjoyable time
dale e,
Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Deon, his wife and guide all did great in preparing, equipping and feeding everyone on this adventure. The water level was below average for the time if year (end of February), but very enjoyable and informative.
It was a perfect...
JULIE B,
Feb 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a perfect experience. Just enough rapids to make it fun! Thank you for your expertise and humor! Loved our homemade lunch too!
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Operated by Raft Fish NZ