Bucket list experience:
Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
Queenstown’s original adrenaline-pumping adventure, there are two white water trips on offer.
First-timers and scaredy cats should choose the grade 2-3 rapids of the Kawarau River. Daredevils should opt for the Shotover River, which features grade 3-5 rapids and a narrow passage called Skippers Canyon, which was carved by gold miners more than 120 years ago. Ever wanted to raft through a washing machine? Then try this. Guaranteed thrills (and hopefully no spills).
Tour operators also offer a 3-day, 2-night rafting trip to the Landsborough River, and an opportunity to explore a remote, magical setting of 10,000ft mountains, hanging glaciers, and pristine rainforest.
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Destination Guide >Hotel pick-ups are usually available by prior arrangement with your operator. All equipment is provided (except towel and swimsuit), and expert guides ensure that boat crews complete the course safely. The minimum age for rafting is 13 years, with a minimum weight of 40kg.
Kawarau River trips runs all year round, but the Shotover River trip only operates in the summer, with a heli-rafting alternative in winter. The warmer summer months are obviously better for rafting, with more chance of sunshine and warmer temperatures.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Queenstown
N229 | Rating 4.93 / 5 [245 ratings]
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
South Islands, New Zealand
A primordial playground with truly spectacular scenery on the grandest scale, outdoor adventure activities galore, colourful and compelling Maori culture and terribly nice Kiwis.
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Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand
A brilliantly unique via Ferrata course that requires you to climb to the top of a free-flowing waterfall. Three levels suit different ages and abilities.
Best for ages: 10+ | £110 | 3-7 hours
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
There are countless rivers with rapids out there that you can ‘raft’, but there are some stand-outs – for the size of their rapids and/or for their exceptional setting. Here are our recommendations.
