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
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.
You must speak or understand English.
Not able to participate if who have had Heart Surgery, Coronary Disease, Cardiac Arrest, or Heart-Related Medication excluding blood pressure medication
Must be able to swim at least 25 meters unassisted and have moderate fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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 40.0 kg and maximum weight of 120.0 kg, and it is also required that you are able to swim confidently to participate.
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
Options
Summer 25/26 Season
Pickup included
Reviews
109 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Brilliant rafting experience – fun, professional, and spectacular scenery
Hoareac,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did rafting with the family with Challenge Rafting in Queenstown (Grade 2-3 section of rapids) and it was excellent from start to finish. The guides were first-rate: calm, highly professional, and very good at reading the group. Clear instructions, good humour, and exactly the right balance between safety and fun. The scenery is genuinely stunning — classic Queenstown landscapes that make the whole experience feel bigger than just the rapids themselves. The rapids were exciting and properly fun, but never intimidating. Ideal for first timers while still delivering enough adrenaline to keep it engaging. You feel well looked after without it being over-managed. Well run, well paced, and thoroughly enjoyable. Would happily recommend to anyone considering rafting in Queenstown.
White water rafting amazing experience
andyeC6642ZT,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The equipment given was top notch. The staff was very funny and accommodating from first turning up at the rafting center. We had matt as our raft guide he was very friendly and made sue we had a great time. Would definitely do it again!
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!!
From NZ$306.67
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Operated by Challenge Rafting