Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting
Overview
Raft the Kawarau River, perhaps better known as the River Anduin in Lord of the Rings, for a great half-day activity in Queenstown This is a perfect introduction to whitewater rafting for first-timers. There will be plenty of rapids action plus time to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Catch the free shuttle from the centre of town out to the raft base where you will be fitted out with all your gear.
Your rafting adventure covers 8-kilometers of the river. Take on grade 2-3 rapids and perhaps the occasional grade 2-4 rapid, when there are higher water levels. Enjoy flat stretches of river between the rapids where you have the opportunity to race your friends on the other rafts or jump out and swim. Conclude your adventure by rafting the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand, the Dog Leg. This is a 400-meter long and grade 3/4 rapid. Add some extra excitement by joining in on the optional cliff jumping section, or sit back and watch your friends take a leap.
What's Included
- Use of hot showers
- Coach transport to and from Raft Base
- Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
- Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
- Snacks Food and drinks
Meeting Location
88 Beach Street
Queenstown 9300, 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
Meet our team at the RealNZ Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street, Queenstown to begin your adventure! The courtesy coach will take you to raft base to collect all the gear included as part of the package. Once your all kitted up and ready to go, the raft guides will take you to the beginning of the rapids for the extensive safety briefing.
Raft through grade 2-3 rapids, take in the beautiful views, choose to join in on the optional rock jumping section for added fun.
Please note for safety we have minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg to participate.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- You must bring a swimsuit and towel
- Maximum weight 120kg
- Minimum weight 40kg
- Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
- Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited
- Rafting while pregnant is prohibited
- Must be able to swim confidently
- Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants' safety. Detailed whitewater rafting risk disclosures are available on the RealNZ website.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3342P37
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 78 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- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- 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.
- Use of hot showers.
- Coach transport to and from Raft Base.
- Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided.
- Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques.
- Snacks. Food and drinks.
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..
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 Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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 Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting 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
- Use of hot showers
- Coach transport to and from Raft Base
- Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
- Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
- SnacksFood and drinks
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- You must bring a swimsuit and towel
- Maximum weight 120kg
- Minimum weight 40kg
- Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
- Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited
- Rafting while pregnant is prohibited
- Must be able to swim confidently
- Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants' safety. Detailed whitewater rafting risk disclosures are available on the RealNZ website.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
