1. New Zealand
  2. Queenstown
  3. Water Activities

Queenstown White Water Rafting

Feel the adrenaline rush as you white water raft through the spectacular Skippers Canyon!

map Queenstown, New Zealand
zoom
DetailsBooking CalendarFAQReviewsMap
Duration
Duration
4 hours 30 min
Start & End Time
Start & End Time
8:00 am & 1:00 pm
Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Included
Minimum Age
Minimum Age
13 years
Fitness Level
Fitness Level
Moderate
Meals
Meals
Not included
FromNZD $229
Children: NZD $229
Check Availability


Click here if you want to buy open dated voucher
Next available: Today
instant confirmationInstant confirmation

What's Included

  • Transfer from downtown Queenstown to rafting base
  • Full wetsuit, rafting clothing and safety equipment
  • Transfer to Deep Creek via Skippers Canyon Road
  • Extensive safety briefing
  • Rafting on the Shotover River
  • Hot showers and sauna
  • Transfer/ return travel to downtown Queenstown

WHAT TO EXPECT

Start your adventure with an exciting coach trip into Skippers Canyon, famous for its thrilling cliff edges and gold mining history. You'll then meet with your river guide who will brief you on everything you need to know before you begin your whitewater rafting journey deep into the spectacular canyon. Marvel at the peaceful waters of Deep Creek before rafting towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon. Your adrenaline will begin to rise as you paddle faster and faster and prepare yourself for the 180m Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting through Cascade Rapid which completes your adventure. Enjoy a sauna and hot shower at Cavell's Rafting Lodge before your return to Queenstown. 

Location of the Shotover River

The Shotover river flows out of the mountains north of Queenstown and the drive into the rafting start point is located via Skippers Canyon (behind Coronet Peak, which takes about 40 minutes.) During your white water rafting activity, you will raft down 14km of the Shotover river all the way back to the Cavell's Rafting Base where you first started.
 

Pick-up possibility

It is possible to be picked-up at a chosen location but only for the morning departure from 8:15 am. If you'd prefer an afternoon departure, you must check in at the Queenstown Rafting shop (located at 35 Shotover Street.) You will be returned to the shop at the end of your trip. 
 
Clothes

It is strongly recommended that you only wear swimwear as the wetsuits work more effectively when they are close to your skin (the only exception to this is if you have specific merino wool or polyester thermal underwear). The majority of people are warm enough with the wetsuit, but we sometimes provide additional layers depending on the specific conditions on the day. All wetsuits, wetsuit booties and other necessary equipment are provided by Queenstown Rafting. 

Photo and video footage

It is possible to bring your camera however Queenstown Rafting recommend that cameras are left behind at the hostel as we cannot guarantee their safety. There will be a professional photographer with you at the beginning of your trip and again at the last rapid who will be taking photos and video footage. You can view/purchase the photos/videos at the end when you have returned to the shop (at an additional price). 

What to bring

A swimsuit and towel
Money for snacks and photos 

BOOKING CALENDAR

Queenstown White Water Rafting

Select Date
DATE

TIME
Unfortunately, no spaces available for selected dates.
First available date: 25-09-2018
*Top Deals and Last Minute deals pricing is available for limited spaces
FAQ
Expand allHide all

Yes you do.

Kawarau River - This trip is suitable for beginners. As the Kawarau river is a lower grade river, there are less chances to actually fall out of the raft. You are given a floatation jacket (life jacket) and the wetsuits also help as a buoyancy aid but you will still need to be able to help the guide and swim towards the raft (or safety kayaker in high water levels).  This river can give a good 'kick' in high water.

Shotover River - You must be ‘water confident’ and be able to swim in fast moving water.

One way to describe ‘water confident’ is to imagine yourself swimming in the sea where you can't stand up, with medium waves around you and being tossed around a bit. If you feel comfortable with this then you should be ok.

No you don't. Everyone can enjoy rafting on either river with no rafting experience. You will be given training and a full safety briefing before the trip starts. All of our qualified and certified guides will be able to give you any extra personal instruction you may need while in the raft.

You will need a swimsuit and a towel. There are showers and a sauna after the trip. Anything valuable should be left behind at your accommodation or there are secure lockers at the shop in town.

No, nothing can be taken with you on the raft due to health & safety reasons.

There is professional photography available for purchase upon completion of your trip.

The total trip time is around 4.5 hours. 

However the time on the water varies depending on the river speed, the water level and time of year. 

The minimum age for rafting is 13 years, with a minimum weight of 40kg. There is no maximum age.  The weight limit is 120kg.  However, the person must be able to fit our gear and safety equipment. We do have a number of extra large wetsuits but ask that you are physically fit and able to swim

Company policy is that we don’t allow anyone who is pregnant on grade 3 or above rivers. There is a risk that a pregnant person could sustain a blow to the abdomen either through falling out the raft, from a paddle from another client or someone falling against them.

Small print
Terms & Conditions:

  • Not available between 1 June and 30 September. Upgrade to heli raft required
  • Reservations can be transferred to another date, subject to availability, up to 48 hours prior to departure with no transfer fee incurred
  • A $50 transfer fee applies to date transfers within 48hours
  • Trip requires a minimum number of 8 clients to confirm
  • Clients must be water confident
  • Closed Christmas Day


Cancellation Policy:

No shows or cancellations within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable


Read full supplier's terms & conditions

Location map

Go Orange
Deep Creek, New Zealand

Reviews

FromNZD $229
Children: NZD $229
Check Availability


Click here if you want to buy open dated voucher
Next available: Today
instant confirmationInstant confirmation
add to wishlist Added to wishlist
Why book with us?
  • no booking feesNo booking fees
  • secure payment100% secure payments
  • no membershipNo membership required
  • best activitiesBest selected activities
Check Availability

Countries

Poland

Cities

Deals