Half Day, Grade 5, White Water Rafting on the Rangitikei River
Overview
Our grade 5, white water rafting trip is often recognised as one of the best half day trips in the world! It was recently voted in the top 8 white water trips in the world by Red Bull.
With 10 major rapids on this 11 km run, plus numerous smaller rapids, there is plenty to get excited about.
This is a very active trip and you will need to work as part of a team to navigate your way through steep drops, chutes and major rapids in the grade 5 gorge. The trip starts off with some mellow grade 1-3 rapids, which are great practice for what lies ahead.
Throughout the trip you will see some amazing New Zealand scenery along the way.
And the trip finishes back at River Valley Lodge, for hot showers! You can also choose to add on meals or accommodation at the lodge after your trip.
What's Included
- All equipment is provided - Wetsuit, helmet, lifejacket, neoprene booties, fleece top, paddle jacket, and on cooler days, neoprene gloves and neoprene socks.
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Meeting Location
266 Mangahoata Road
RD2, Taihape 4792, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Your trip starts at River Valley Lodge. Meet at the lodge for the trip briefing and get kitted out with lots of equipment to keep you warm and safe on the river. Then, we drive you 30 mins to the Rangitikei River put on.
The trip starts off with some mellow grade 1-3 rapids, which are great practice for what lies ahead. Then, you will tackle the grade 5 gorge. With 10 major rapids on this 11 km run, plus numerous smaller rapids, there is plenty to get excited about.
This is a very active trip and you will need to work as part of a team to navigate your way through steep drops, chutes and major rapids in the grade 5 gorge.
Throughout the trip you will see some amazing New Zealand scenery along the way.
The trip finishes back at River Valley Lodge for hot showers. Allow around 4 hours from start to finish.
Additional Info
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- This is a very active trip - you need to be physically fit enough to paddle and move around the boat
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum of 4 people needed for this trip to go ahead - if you have a smaller group please contact us and we can fit you in with more people
- All our rafting trips are river level dependent - if the river is higher than our safe operating level we will not run the trip
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Half Day, Grade 5, White Water Rafting on the Rangitikei River?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-101586P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 73 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- All equipment is provided - Wetsuit, helmet, lifejacket, neoprene booties, fleece top, paddle jacket, and on cooler days, neoprene gloves and neoprene socks.
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 13. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Half Day, Grade 5, White Water Rafting on the Rangitikei River is as follows:
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- This is a very active trip - you need to be physically fit enough to paddle and move around the boat
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Half Day, Grade 5, White Water Rafting on the Rangitikei River will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- All equipment is provided - Wetsuit, helmet, lifejacket, neoprene booties, fleece top, paddle jacket, and on cooler days, neoprene gloves and neoprene socks.
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Info
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- This is a very active trip - you need to be physically fit enough to paddle and move around the boat
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum of 4 people needed for this trip to go ahead - if you have a smaller group please contact us and we can fit you in with more people
- All our rafting trips are river level dependent - if the river is higher than our safe operating level we will not run the trip
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
