South Island

Queenstown Rafting on the Shotover River

Family Rafting Adventures in Queenstown

Family Adventures specialises on gentle adventure trips, including rafting the famous Shotover River’s upper reaches near Queenstown. Our bus and raft excursion is a one-of-a-kind way to see the nearby Queenstown wilderness, and is suited for all ages older than three. Water competence is NOT required.

Family Adventures operates in Queenstown, New Zealand’s breathtaking hinterland. Our path follows the ancient Skippers road down “Long Gully,” where it joins the Shotover River and ascends towards the abandoned community of Skippers Township.

In 1862, gold was discovered in the Shotover River, which became known as “the world’s richest river!”

“As we travel the Skippers road (a feat of engineering from the 1880s) and view the ruins of the gold rush from the Shotover river itself, you will hear tales of fortune and struggle from this era. It is difficult to fathom more than 6,000 people living and working in such a remote and hostile area.

Your Queenstown Rafting adventure begins…

The drive into Skippers Canyon 

The trip kicks off with a 45 minute drive into the famous Skippers Canyon….

The Road through Skippers Canyon is quite possibly the most spectacular & scenic drive in New Zealand.  The views are astounding and the area is packed with history and gold mining relics.  Our knowledgeable guides will enthralled you with tales from the colourful gold mining last. 

Gearing up to stay warm and safe!

At Family Adventures we kit you out with all the gear you’ll need from the ground up.

Wetsuit boots to protect your feet, wetsuit or overpants, spray jacket with sealed collar and cuffs to help keep the water out, fleece & a buoyancy aid (both warm and great for rapid swims) and finally a helmet to finish off the outfit so you can do this….

(A good tip is to wear your swimsuit under your clothing, it makes getting changed into your wetsuit at our Pipeline base easier and quicker).

And off we go!

We take to the water at the “Ford of Bruinen” made famous by the Lord of the Rings movie.  We then enjoy a gentle scenic excursion packed with fun for everyone from 3 – 103 (older by arrangement).  

We float down gentle Grade 1 & 2 rapids only (takes approx 1-1.5 hours on the river).  On the way see gold mining relics, sheer canyon walls and get to play on the odd rock jump.

Photo packs available

So you don’t have to take a camera and risk losing it to the river (there are a few in there) our guides take pictures throughout the trip which you have the option to purchase for an extra $39.  

Well worthwhile for some great family memories.