Whitewater Rafting Queenstown Guided Trips on the Shotover

Real NZ - Queenstown Rafting Guided White Water Rafting Trips on the Kawarau & Shotover Rivers

Experience New Zealand’s white water river rafting at its best!

Embark on a white water rafting journey through Queenstown’s white water rapids!

Immerse yourself in Queenstown’s untamed alpine rivers through heli-rafting, whitewater rafting, and river boarding. Queenstown’s whitewater rafting is an exhilarating way to see our stunning alpine scenery and boost your adrenaline.

The first commercial rafting operation, in the 1970s established in the upper Skippers Canyon. Since then, Queenstown has become a whitewater rafting playground. Two rivers offer rapids for all skill levels, from the tranquil stretches of the massive Kawarau River to the terrifying grade-five rapids of the Shotover River.

Rafting in Queenstown is enjoyable for both novice and experienced whitewater enthusiasts, so go out there and prepare to get wet!

Queenstown Rafting - Shotover River Rafting Trips

The Shotover River is most popular and serious white water action rafting trip.

Price: $199 per person
Departs: 8:00 am – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Duration: approx 5 Hours

Begin with an unforgettable coach trip into Skippers Canyon, famous for its exciting cliff edges and gold mining history.

Meet your river guide before beginning your white water rafting journey through the spectacular canyon. Rafting from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, you’ll head towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon.

The adrenaline pumps as you paddle Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, Oh Sh*t, Pinball and Jaws, to name a few. Raft the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting Cascade Rapid to complete your adventure.

Before returning to Queenstown, enjoy a sauna and hot shower at Cavell’s Rafting Base.

Real NZ Jet Boat & Rafting Combo

Price: $219 per person
Duration: 40 minutes Jet Boating – 2 hrs Rafting
Departs: 9:00 am

Here is your chance to pair two of Queenstown’s most iconic experiences. Spend your afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries, and a stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise.

Packing in those famous 360 spins and dramatic canyon walls, you discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness.

Jump straight into a raft with the team to complete the last section of the river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. The jet boat will race down the river to your next mode of transport.

Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand.

Paddle and swim through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand-new cliff-jumping section added for adventure Seekers. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.