Queenstown Guided White Water Rafting – Shotover & Kawarau Rivers
updated: 15 th February 2026
Queenstown Guided White Water Rafting – Shotover & Kawarau Rivers
White water rafting in Queenstown ranges from beginner-friendly Grade 2–3 runs on the Kawarau River to adrenaline-pumping Grade 4–5 rapids on the Shotover River. Guided by experienced rafting professionals, each trip combines dramatic canyon scenery, alpine landscapes and unforgettable river action.
Shotover River Rafting – Big Rapids & Canyon Scenery
High-adrenaline Grade 3–5 rapids through dramatic canyon walls, finishing with the famous Oxenbridge Tunnel — perfect for thrill-seekers.
Kawarau River Rafting – Beginner-Friendly Grade 2–3 Rapids
Gentler Grade 2–3 rafting on a wider river, ideal for beginners, families and first-time paddlers, with optional jet boat combinations available.
Experience New Zealand’s white water river rafting at its best!
White water rafting in Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure experiences. Choose between the adrenaline-charged Shotover River with Grade 3–5 rapids, or the beginner-friendly Kawarau River featuring scenic Grade 2–3 runs.
Whether you’re chasing serious whitewater or trying rafting for the first time, Queenstown rafting tours deliver alpine scenery, expert guides and unforgettable river action.
Queenstown Rafting - Shotover River Rafting Trips
The Shotover River is Queenstown’s most intense rafting experience. Expect dramatic canyon walls, powerful Grade 3–5 rapids and the famous 170-metre Oxenbridge Tunnel.
Price: $299 per person
Departs: 8:00 am – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Duration: approx 4.5 Hours
Grade: 3 – 5 whitewater
Your adventure begins with a thrilling drive into Skippers Canyon before launching at Deep Creek. Rapids like Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, Pinball and Jaws keep adrenaline levels high before finishing through the tunnel and Cascade Rapid.
Best for:
✔ Thrill-seekers
✔ Confident swimmers
✔ Adrenaline lovers
Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting
The Kawarau River offers a more relaxed but still exciting rafting experience. With wide river sections and Grade 2–3 rapids, it’s perfect for first-timers, families and mixed ability groups.
Price: $239 per person
Duration: 4.5 Hours approx
Departs: 9:00 am & 2.00 pm
Grade: 2 – 3 whitewater rapids
Highlights include the famous 400m Dog Leg Rapid, optional cliff jumping and scenic alpine surroundings. Hot showers are available post-trip.
Best for:
✔ Beginners
✔ Families
✔ First-time rafters
Real NZ Jet Boat & Rafting Combo Kawarau River
For those wanting double the thrill, combine a 30-minute Thunder Jet ride with Kawarau River rafting.
Price: $319 per person
Duration: 4.5 Hours approx
Departs: 9:00 am
Grade: 2 – 3 whitewater rapids
Start with high-speed 360° spins across Lake Wakatipu before transferring into your raft for Grade 2–3 rapids, cliff jumping and the Dog Leg Rapid.
Best for:
✔ Adventure lovers
✔ Groups wanting variety
✔ Those short on time but big on action
Shotover vs Kawarau – Which Rafting Tour Should You Choose?
Shotover vs Kawarau – Quick Comparison
Shotover River
- Grade 3–5 rapids
- High adrenaline
- Dramatic canyon walls
- Best for thrill-seekers
Kawarau River
- Grade 2–3 rapids
- Beginner-friendly
- Wider, scenic river
- Optional jet boat combo
It doesn’t matter if you’re experienced or a novice.
There’s a rafting adventure here with your name on it.
Frequently Asked Questions – Queenstown White-Water Rafting
Queenstown offers guided rafting on the Shotover (Grade 3–5) and Kawarau (Grade 2–3) Rivers, plus combo trips like Jet Boat & Rafting. You’ll also find options such as heli-rafting and river boarding for extra adrenaline.
It’s suitable for both. First-timers usually start on the Kawarau River (Grade 2–3), while confident adventurers pick the Shotover River (Grade 3–5). Either way, you’ll get a full safety briefing and on-river coaching.
A coach ride into Skippers Canyon, gear fit-out and safety briefing, then a canyon run featuring rapids like Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, Pinball and Jaws, plus the Oxenbridge Tunnel and Cascade Rapid to finish. Hot showers/sauna back at base afterward.
Book via the “Make a Booking” links on this page. Current pricing: Shotover River Rafting $299 pp and Jet Boat & Rafting Combo $319 pp.
Iconic alpine scenery, historic gold-mining gorges, and two contrasting rivers: the scenic Kawarau for gentler grades and the tight, dramatic Shotover for bigger rapids. It’s New Zealand’s adventure capital for a reason.
Basic water confidence helps, but you’ll wear a life jacket, wetsuit and helmet, and guides are beside you the whole time. Choose Kawarau if you prefer a softer introduction.
Allow around 4–5 hours door-to-door. That includes check-in, transport, safety briefing, time on the water, and getting changed afterward.
Bring swimwear, a towel, and a warm change of clothes for after. Sunscreen in summer; an extra layer for cooler months. All rafting and safety gear is provided.
Minimum ages and health requirements vary by river and conditions. The Shotover often has a higher minimum age than the Kawarau. If you’re pregnant or have recent injuries/medical conditions, please check before booking.
Trips run only when conditions are safe. If the operator cancels due to weather/levels, you’ll be rescheduled or refunded in full.