Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown-Lakes District, Otago, Queenstown
Enjoy a rafting experience on the Kawarau River, ideal for first-timers. Enjoy a scenic adventure including a thrilling jet boat ride to the launch site.
Whitewater rafting on the Kawarau River near Queenstown offers a thrilling half-day adventure suitable for first-time rafters and experienced paddlers.
Highlights
- Experience whitewater rafting on the scenic Kawarau River
- Navigate New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid
- Start with a high-speed jet boat ride featuring 360-degree spins
- Enjoy grade 2-4 rapids and flat sections ideal for swimming and racing friends
- Raft in river surroundings featured in major film productions
Description
Begin with a free shuttle from central Queenstown to the raft base for gear fitting. Then take a 25-minute jet boat ride at speeds up to 95 km/h, with thrilling spins, to the rafting site.
Your rafting covers 8 kilometers of the Kawarau River, facing grade 2-3 rapids and occasionally grade 2-4 during higher water levels. Between rapids, flat river stretches allow for swimming or racing with friends on other rafts.
The tour includes the Dog Leg rapid, New Zealand’s longest commercial rapid at 400 meters and grade 3/4 difficulty. Optional cliff jumping is available, or you can watch others leap from the riverbank.
After rafting, return to the base for hot showers before heading back to Queenstown.
Includes
- Roundtrip bus transfer between Queenstown and rafting base
- 25-minute jet boat transfer to the rafting station
- 1-hour rafting experience on the Kawarau River
- Experienced rafting guides and extensive safety briefing
- All necessary rafting and safety equipment: wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit booties, life jacket
- Hot showers at the rafting base
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Important Information
- Not suitable for participants under 40 kg or over 120 kg, pregnant women, children under 13 years old, or those with heart conditions or on heart medication
- All participants must sign a waiver form
- Rafters under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian; rafters under 18 require a guardian’s signed waiver
- Participants must be confident swimmers, able to handle fast-moving water, and follow guides’ instructions carefully
- Rafting involves risks; safety cannot be absolutely guaranteed. Detailed risk information is available on the operator’s website
- The operator may cancel or amend trips due to river, road, weather conditions, or insufficient participants
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book in advance to secure your preferred date. Wear swimwear and bring a towel for shower use. The best time to visit is during warmer months for comfortable water temperatures.
