Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown

Overview

Available languages

English

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

Nov - April 24/25

Pickup included

Reviews

4.82

107 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Spit out of the washing machine
Robert K,
Jun 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great 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.
Rafting, Shotover river NZ
Mike C,
Jan 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Fantastic trip from start to finish. Well organized, great staff with great knowledge made the day memorable 10 out of 10 well done.
An absolute MUST do activity
Vanessa D,
Jan 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The 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.
Great white water,...
John A,
Nov 17, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Great white water, knowledgeable and very personable staff. Felt in very safe hands and a great experience start to finish
White Water Rafting Day Out
Peter C,
Feb 1, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Our guide KC made the white water rafting even more enjoyable. A very funny fella with loads of interesting stories to tell. He got the team of 6 people on the raft involved throughout the experience. A true New Zealander. Thanks KC