Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Queenstown’s famous Shotover River provides the white water rafting action for those looking for extra excitement and thrills. Drive through Skippers canyon to the start of the rafting. Raft your way down the Shotover river taking on the wild and untamed rapids. Finish the trip rafting through the darkness of the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel and shoot the drop into Cascade Rapid.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is essential that all parties are confident swimmers and comfortable in deep water.
Weight restrictions - Under 40 kg (88lbs) and over 120kg (264lbs) will not be permitted to participate. (weighing maybe required upon check-in).
Minimum age - 13 years - Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
If a traveller wishes to discontinue with the rafting experience during the trip, the traveller is liable for all costs associated with removing them from the river. This term is void if a medical or natural emergency arises and evacuation is required.
If you are pregnant you cannot participate on this experience and if you do so without notifying the Raft Guides guides of your conditions you do so at your own risk
Under 18 years - Guardian conditions apply.
Suitable for water competent people of moderate fitness.
People with a heart condition or taking heart medication are unable to participate.
Trips are weather, river level and/or water temperature dependent.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Courtesy coach transfers from centrally located meeting point
All necessary equipment- wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, booties, helmet
Bus Ride through Skippers Canyon
White water rafting down the Shotover River
Hot showers
Safety briefing, professional guides
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Experience the rugged beauty and unspoiled grandeur of the breathtaking scenery as you conquer this wild and untamed river. Tackle six rapids along the Shotover River, with stretches of calm water to take in the views, go for a swim and soak up its gold mining history. The long and narrow grade 4-5 Mother is made up of rapids such as Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball. Raft through the darkness of the 170-metre Oxenbridge Tunnel and shoot the Cascade Rapid to complete the challenge. *Please note for safety we have a minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg, and it is also required that you are able to swim confidently to participate.
Options
Summer 25/26 Season
Pickup included
Reviews
107 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Spit out of the washing machine
Robert K,
Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great team of guides that took us down the river and a “must do”. I was impressed with the van drivers being able the traverse the goat track of a road. No way would I attempt to drive what they did. Challenging but fun.
A Great Team ! And Wonderful Fun!
robbrig,
Mar 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The team did a great job given the very benign conditions on the river on the day we went. All very knowledgable and know how to make a trip fun and great learning experience- it was our first such trip.
Good Vibes and Good Views
Cassie Y,
Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good vibes and good views. Safety was a huge priority! Equipment was in great shape. Guides were hilarious! Jet boat ride was a super fun. Had an absolute blast!
Rafting, Shotover river NZ
Mike C,
Jan 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic trip from start to finish. Well organized, great staff with great knowledge made the day memorable 10 out of 10 well done.
A great way to see the shotover river!
adamg208,
Jan 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great fun way to see the Shotover River. Definitely recommend the class 3-5 rapids during summer as the low water level keeps them to the lower end of the spectrum. Notwithstanding a really fun way to spend a few hours. Highly recommended.
An absolute MUST do activity
Vanessa D,
Jan 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The raft team and our guide Zane were focused on both safety and fun! We practiced the required skills in calm waters to get us through the rapids safely. We also had great conversations I. The raft between multiple rapids which added the each raft team camaraderie and some friendly competition between rafts! Having an opportunity to choose to jump in the water was really appreciated too and a lot of fun! I felt so confident in being able to tackle each rapid under Zane’s direction. An amazing and absolutely must do activity. Can’t wait to go again! Note - you really do need to have a reasonable level of fitness and you absolutely MUST be able to swim.
Family fun with amazing views
humphrybbear,
Jan 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the highlight of our trip - the views on the river were so great. It was fun for everyone in our family. Our guide Mark was fantastic - he really connected with us all and kept us safe and really ensured we all had fun. Gabe, the tour guide was also friendly and gave us excellent information on Queenstown. We learnt a lot and had so much fun. I would highly recommend this activity to everyone.
Awesome river with lots of surprises
76victoriaa,
Jan 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time rafting with Raju on this gorgeous river. We were excited to have a Nepalese guide as we have visited Nepal several times and love the people there. He was very experienced and kept us busy paddling and very safe. Highly recommend especially if you have rafted a lot before and are comfortable on the water! Thanks, Raju!!
Rafting as a family of 5, all young teens
MegsandArchie,
Dec 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The safety checks that were done, then repeated several times enroute and just prior to rafting were v reassuring. Our Kiwi guide Will was lovely. We received so many instructions and time to.pracrice that it was great. The rafting was rough in the rapids but we felt well educated prior, the whole procedure was very well organised. All the rafts stay nearby for safety and keep an eye on each other as well as a guy that just canoes on his own as an extra assistant If needed. Was an EXCELLENT experience!!!
Scenic rafting.
aryhamrivas,
Dec 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The river is very scenic. No more for crazy rapids. Thanks to Emma we had a excellent day on the river. She make us laugh and have lot of fun in the river. GOPRO ARE NOT ALLOWED. Very bad. For the company I will recommend you don't need to be afraid of having people with gopro. Every rafting company allows it. I don't see why not when this is a sport activity. Everyone sign a waiver. Thats why I’m giving 3 start. The pictures you provide are jot the best and BTW my pictures were not sent. Groups are too big and you spent lots of time waiting for other rafts to pass. I recommend you can divide the group in 2 and have some rafters with more experience and looking for more adventurous experience go without stopping. I understand safety is a priority but you can split the groups. Again thanks to Emma we enjoy the rafting. And last recommendations you can encourage some games between t rafters like competing splashing water between them. So the time pass with more joy. Thank you Emma for the day
From NZ$304.98
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