Hanmer Springs Whitewater Rafting Trips
Updated: 8 th January 2026
Hanmer Springs Whitewater Rafting Trips
Whitewater rafting in Hanmer Springs is a fun and scenic way to experience the Waiau River and its surrounding alpine landscape. With gentle rapids, clear water, and dramatic marble rock formations, rafting here is suitable for beginners, families, and anyone looking for an outdoor adventure without extreme difficulty.
Whitewater Rafting in Hanmer Springs
Whitewater rafting in Hanmer Springs is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Waiau River and the surrounding alpine landscape. Flowing through marble rock formations and open valleys, the river offers a mix of gentle rapids and calm stretches that make rafting here both exciting and accessible.
Hanmer Springs rafting trips are ideal for first-time rafters, families, and adventure lovers looking for a fun outdoor experience without extreme difficulty. Guided by experienced professionals, you’ll paddle through scenic gorges, enjoy splashy Grade 2 rapids, and take time to soak up the natural beauty that makes this region so special.
Whether you’re visiting Hanmer Springs for a weekend or adding rafting to a longer stay, a whitewater rafting trip on the Waiau River is a memorable highlight for all ages.
Price: $145 per person – Children: $79 pp (minimum age 12 years) – Family $399 ( 2 adults + 1 to 3 Children)
Departs: 10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Duration: 2 Hour approx.
Hanmer Springs provides an idyllic backdrop for an unforgettable Grade 2 whitewater rafting experience, set among dramatic mountain scenery and striking marble rock formations. With gentle rapids and calm stretches, this rafting trip is ideal for families, first-time rafters, and anyone seeking a fun outdoor adventure.
Your experience begins at the whitewater rafting base located on the main road into Hanmer Springs, overlooking the Waiau River and the historic Waiau Ferry Bridge. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a full safety briefing from a fully qualified, experienced river guide, before gearing up for your journey downstream.
As you raft along the crystal-clear waters of the Waiau River, you’ll navigate splashy Grade 2 rapids interspersed with relaxing sections where you can even hop out of the raft for a gentle river float when conditions allow. The water is so clear that trout and salmon are often visible beneath the surface.
After completing the rafting section, you’ll return to the base by jet boat, offering a different perspective of the river, surrounding forests, and alpine landscape. Rafts accommodate up to 9 people including the guide, making this an excellent option for families and small groups.
What to bring:
Swimwear, towel, and sunscreen are recommended.
Hanmer Springs Rafting Combo Adventures
If you’re looking for even more action, combine your Hanmer Springs whitewater rafting adventure with another adrenaline-filled experience. These combo tours are ideal for thrill-seekers who want to make the most of their time in Hanmer Springs.
Rafting & Bungy Jump
Price: $364 pp Child $294
Departs: Select time when Booking
Duration: Approx 210 minutes
This high-adrenaline combo pairs Grade 2 whitewater rafting with a thrilling bungy jump from the historic Waiau Ferry Bridge. Start your adventure rafting through stunning alpine scenery and marble rock formations before taking the plunge with a 35-metre free fall into the river below.
The bungy jump delivers an unforgettable rush, followed by an overwhelming sense of excitement and achievement. T-shirts and certificates are included in this combo, with photos available to purchase afterward
Rafting & Jet Boat
Price: $274 pp Child $144
Departs: Select time when Booking
Duration: Approx 3 Hours
This popular combo blends a scenic Grade 2 rafting trip with an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Waiau River. After enjoying splashy rapids and calm stretches while rafting, you’ll return by jet boat, reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h.
The jet boat ride takes you through narrow gorges, braided shallows, and whitewater sections, offering spectacular scenery and a completely different perspective of the river.
Rafting & Quad Biking
Price: $324 pp
Departs: Select time when Booking
Duration: 4 Hours approx
Combine whitewater rafting with an action-packed quad biking adventure through Hanmer Springs’ alpine backcountry. Begin with a fun and accessible rafting experience on the Waiau River, then head out on a two-hour guided quad bike ride.
Plough through streams, mud, forest trails, and rugged terrain as you explore the scenic landscapes surrounding Hanmer Springs. This combo is perfect for visitors wanting both water and land-based adventure in one day.
Hanmer Springs Ultimate Challenge
Price: $624 pp
Departs: Select time when Booking
Duration: 6 Hours approx
Great-value combo – save $75 compared to booking separately
The Hanmer Springs Ultimate Challenge is the region’s most action-packed adventure, combining four iconic experiences into one unforgettable day. Designed for true thrill-seekers, this combo delivers maximum adrenaline across water, land, and air.
Your adventure includes an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Waiau River, featuring spins, speed, and narrow canyon runs aboard Hanmer Springs’ only twin-engine jet boat fleet. You’ll also enjoy a two-hour Grade 2 whitewater rafting experience, complete with a scenic jet boat return to base.
On land, tackle a two-hour quad biking adventure using Hanmer Springs’ only power-steering quad bikes, navigating streams, forest trails, and rugged alpine terrain. To finish, face your fears with a 35-metre bungy jump from the historic Waiau Ferry Bridge, delivering a heart-pounding freefall over the river below.
This ultimate combo offers unbeatable value and is the perfect choice for visitors who want to experience everything Hanmer Springs is famous for in one epic adventure.
Jet Boat, Raft, Quad & Bungy
Why Choose a Hanmer Springs Combo Adventure?
Hanmer Springs Attractions offers a range of outdoor adventure activities that New Zealand is famous for, all set within the stunning natural environment of Hanmer Springs. Located just 90 minutes from Christchurch, these combo tours deliver maximum excitement and great value for visitors short on time.
Hanmer Springs Attractions offers a range of outdoor adventure activities that New Zealand is famous for, all set within the stunning natural environment of Hanmer Springs. From river adventures to alpine experiences, these activities showcase the best of the region’s landscapes and outdoor lifestyle.
Located just 90 minutes from Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is an easy and rewarding destination for visitors looking to add unforgettable adventure to their South Island itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanmer Springs Whitewater Rafting
Is whitewater rafting in Hanmer Springs suitable for families?
Yes, Hanmer Springs whitewater rafting takes place on a Grade 2 river, making it suitable for families and first-time rafters. Trips are guided by experienced professionals and offer a fun, safe way to enjoy the Waiau River’s scenic alpine environment.
What age do you need to be for whitewater rafting in Hanmer Springs?
The minimum age for whitewater rafting in Hanmer Springs is 12 years old. This ensures participants are comfortable in the water and able to follow safety instructions during the trip.
How long does a Hanmer Springs rafting trip take?
Most whitewater rafting trips in Hanmer Springs last approximately two hours, including safety briefings, time on the river, and the return journey back to base.
What should I bring for a whitewater rafting trip?
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. All specialist rafting equipment and safety gear are provided by the operator.
Can I combine whitewater rafting with other adventure activities in Hanmer Springs?
Yes, whitewater rafting can be combined with other adventure activities such as jet boating, quad biking, or bungy jumping. Combo tours are available for visitors looking to maximise their time and experience more of Hanmer Springs’ outdoor adventures.
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