River boarding Queenstown on the Kawarau River – Serious Fun
River Boarding & White Water Sledge Rafting on the Kawarau River Queenstown
The ultimate Queenstown water activity for true adventure seekers.
Do you love thrills, spills, stunning views and whitewater? There is nothing more exciting than a whitewater river boarding experience on Queenstown’s spectacular Kawarau River.
This high volume river is rocking with adrenaline and this trip will redefine your perception of adventure. With three different trips to suit your thirst for adventure, choose between Drifting, Sledging or Riversurfing. Or try them all!
River Boarding Trips
River boarding tripsvary in length, departure times and intensity.
Drifting is our soft adventure, tailored for those less confident in the water, but who would like a scenic tour with a twist.
Sledging is a thrilling 7 km white water adventure through the gorge. Finish at the historic Gold Mining Centre.
While River surfing is our top rush offering up to 12 km of excitement, doing it twice to conquer the river.
Choose the trip that suits you the most, harness the power of the Kawarau River and be prepared to have the trip of a lifetime. They are all designed to quench your thirst for adventure.
Your thrilling adventure will begin in gentle waters, where you will become acquainted with your equipment and learn the basic techniques of river boarding.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery your adventure continues through the Chinese Dog Leg with its great surfing waves and on to the part of the river known as Roaring Meg where the strength and intensity of the water is a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
When your first run is completed, you will have the opportunity to take a second run for free. Second time round try something new, or build on the skills learned on your first run.
Fully equipped with a bodyboard, or a river purpose sledge, fins, booties, life jacket and a helmet, you will be coached by seasoned, professional, and nationally qualified guides, to tackle the river at face level. Basic swimming skills are required by all participants.
If you love thrills, nature, pristine waters, amazing scenery and a good
dose of adventure, Then look no further you have just found it!
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: $255 per personDeparts: 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.
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: $255 per personDeparts: 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: $165 per person Child $150 PPDeparts: 11:00 am
Duration: Allow 4.5 Hours with approx 1 hour 30 mins on the river
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
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