Riverboarding Queenstown - Kawarau River Adventures

The Ultimate Queenstown Water Adventure for Thrill-Seekers

Love thrills, clear water and big Central Otago scenery? Riverboard the Kawarau River with expert guides on your choice of Drifting, Sledging or River Surfing. It’s a high-volume river with pristine pools, canyon walls and rapids that deliver pure, grin-inducing fun.

Three ways to ride:

Drifting – The gentlest option and ideal for less-confident swimmers. Soak up the scenery at a relaxed pace.
Sledging – High-energy action on stable sleds through the gorge; close-to-the-water feel and big smiles.
River Surfing – The most adrenaline: more exposure to waves and whirlpools, with a second lap on the best section.

What to expect on the river:

Start in calm water: meet your guide team, gear up and learn riverboarding basics.
Tackle grade 2–3 whitewater (conditions vary), with coaching throughout.
Iconic sections include Chinese Dog Leg (great surfing waves) and Roaring Meg (powerful, memorable whitewater).
All technical gear provided: bodyboard or sledge, fins, booties, helmet and life jacket.
No prior experience needed — basic swimming ability is required.

Why riverboard the Kawarau River?

If you crave pristine water, dramatic scenery and a proper dose of adrenaline, this is it. Choose your level, clip in, and discover Queenstown’s most exciting whitewater experience.

If you love thrills, nature, pristine waters, amazing scenery and a good

dose of adventure, Then look no further you have just found it!

Queenstown River Boarding Adventure Options:

River Surfing Kawarau River Queenstown

The high volume Kawarau River bursts with adrenaline, and this trip will challenge your nerves from start to finish. Experience more rapids, more waves and more fun with a bodyboard.

Price: $270 per person
Departs: 8:30 am & 2:00 pm
Duration: Allow 4.5 Hours with approx 1 hour 30 mins on the river
Operates: September to May

River Surfing is best suited for people who want the full white water experience. An experience not to be missed if you want to try something unique, exciting and that take you out of your comfort zone.

The bodyboards are light and highly manoeuvrable allowing you to be more active in the water. It’s the perfect choice for someone looking for the ultimate adventure. Body boarding up to 14 km of New Zealands best white water.

Conquer grade 2-3 rapids and become King of the River, riding the rapids on a bodyboard. You’ll enjoy surfing standing waves, riding whirl pools and eddy lines as well as catching some underwater currents if you are brave enough.

After running the first 7 km we enjoy some calm water and find a good spot for a rock jump. Then we take you back to the start to do the entire 7 km all over again. Now you know what to expect!

Sledging the Kawarau River Queenstown

Get up close and personal with white water and mighty rapids on our custom made sledges. Master the River, be in control.

Price: $270 per person
Departs: 11:00 am
Duration: Allow 4.5 Hours with approx 1 hour 30 mins on the river
Operates: November to April

Get up close and personal with white water and mighty rapids on our custom made sledges this is ideal for those who want the River boarding experience but are lacking in confidence. This is an action packed adventure for true water lovers.

We start our trip in a secret calm eddy after an introduction on the basic sledging techniques, here you must perform the minimum skills required to experience this trip.

As we head to the main flow hold on tight and feel the power of the river as adrenaline kicks in. Ride fast flowing rapids blast through waves spin on giant whirl pools and try wicked rock jumps. There is a calm final section that allows you to take in the scenery before enjoying a delicious lunchtime snack.

Sledge 7 km of grade 2 to 3 white water on special river purpose boards that are Sturdy and easy to hold on to being very buoyant and highly manoeuvrable, the sledge keeps you slightly more above the water than bodyboards.

This is an action packed white water adventure for true water lovers.

Drift River boarding on the Kawarau River Queenstown

Riverboard historic Kawarau River at a much gentler pace

Price: $185 per person Child $165 per child
Departs: 11:00 am
Duration: Allow 4.5 Hours with approx 1 hour 30 mins on the river

Operates: January to February

Float on bodyboards through a high volume river at a gentler pace with no white water just tranquil beauty as you Riverboard down the historic Kawarau River at a much gentler pace, with the added thrill of a jet boat ride up river. Enjoy the scenery and just going with the flow!

This is the perfect Riverboarding experience for the less confident in the water.

The trip starts with an adrenaline boosting Goldfields Jet boat ride upriver enjoying spectacular scenery and hear some of this pristine river’s history. After a safety introduction you can jump into the calm section of the Kawarau River.

Finishing the adventure at the historic Goldfields Mining Centre.

What to Bring

Swimwear and towel
Sense of adventure

What’s provided

Full Steam 5mm Wetsuit
Booties
Life Jacket
Helmet
Fins
Bodyboard
Wicked Jet Boat Ride
Transport from Queenstown
Kiwi Picnic Lunch

Return to Queenstown Page

Riverboarding on Kawarau River: Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do I need to be a strong swimmer to go riverboarding on the Kawarau River?

Answer: Not at all! While basic swimming skills are required, you don’t need to be an expert.

Our riverboarding adventures offer different options, from the more relaxed Drifting trip to high-adrenaline Sledging and River Surfing. Our guides provide full training and safety gear, including life jackets and helmets, to ensure a fun and safe experience for all skill levels.

Question: What should I bring for a riverboarding adventure on the Kawarau River?

Answer: We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen.

All necessary safety equipment, including a bodyboard or river sledge, fins, booties, life jacket, and helmet, is provided. You might also want to bring a change of clothes for after your adventure.

Question: Is riverboarding safe for beginners?

Answer: Absolutely! Our riverboarding trips are led by experienced, nationally qualified guides who provide comprehensive training before you enter the water. They’re there to guide you throughout the journey, and we offer different levels of adventure, so beginners and experienced thrill-seekers alike can find an option that suits them.

Question: How long does each riverboarding trip take?

Answer: The duration of each trip varies based on the adventure you choose. Drifting is the shortest, offering a gentler experience, while Sledging is a 7 km journey, and River Surfing covers up to 12 km. Plan for a few hours to fully enjoy the adventure, from training to the river run.