If you’re looking for great outdoor excitement, whitewater rafting in Queenstown is the ideal adventure for you.

Enjoy the thrills and spills of the rapids, and admire the wild beauty of Skippers Canyon as you rush down the Shotover River.

On various rafting tours, you can challenge yourself from mild Grade I and II rapids, to thunderous IV to V rapids.

Here's all you need to know about rafting, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Queenstown.

What are the best rafting tours in Queenstown?

Family rafting and sightseeing adventure in Queenstown

Enjoy a wild water adventure on this 4.5-hour rafting and sightseeing trip in Queenstown. Suitable for all from aged 3 and over, this tour by raft and bus is a great opportunity to experience the splendid backcountry of Queenstown.

Having met your guide at the Station Building in downtown Queenstown, you will be transported to the rafting base. Water confidence is not essential for this tour.

At the rafting base, you will be briefed by the experienced rafting guide and strapped into your safety gear. Once set up, you will paddle through the Shotover River, with swirling Class I and II whitewater rapids.

Descending the turbulent river with your guide, you will navigate the churning twists and wheels the river throws at you.

All along, you can still enjoy the breathtaking views of New Zealand’s magnificent untouched countryside.

You will then go on a scenic drive into spectacular Skippers Canyon while the tour guide shares stories on Queenstown’s rich gold-mining history.

You will conclude your tour with a thrilling rock jump or a leisurely swim in the Shotover River before returning to the meeting point.

Queenstown Kawarau River rafting and jet boat

By combining a jet boat stint and a rafting run down the Kawarau River, you can discover the exquisite scenery of Queenstown’s pristine backwoods.

Scooting off on the jet boat down the river, you'll experience the thrills of 360-degree spins before rushing through the rapids in a raft.

Your jet boat trip will take you downriver past striking canyon cliffs for some 30 minutes until you reach your next stage of the adventure.

Jump into a raft for the last part of the river, and for an hour, rush through grade II-III rapids, while enjoying beautiful views.

Paddle through the impressive Kawarau gorge, famous for gold mining, vineyards and association with “The Lord of the Rings” movie scenes.

For extra fun, you can choose to join the optional cliff-jumping leg of the tour.

Complete your trip by challenging the notorious 400-meter Dog Leg rapid, then head back to the rafting base to warm up.

Shotover River rafting and 4x4 canyon tour

Enjoy this Grade 2 river rafting and jeep tour from Queenstown, suitable for a minimum age of 3 and ideal fun for the whole family.

Along the trip, you will also see relics from the old gold mining days, steep canyon walls and do the odd rock jump.

Your exciting tour involves a 45-minute 4x4 drive to the rafting base along the old Skippers Road. The road was built from 1883 to 1890 to facilitate access for the gold miners to the upper Shotover River, especially with a view to installing their large mining equipment.

Driving in and out of Skippers Road in the 4x4, you will get commentary about the area’s scenic highlights and its historical landmarks and sites.

Your rafting tour kicks off at the "Ford of Bruinen" crossing from the famous “Lord of the Rings” movie. You will know that with the protective rafting gear and the guidance of experienced professional instructors, you are in safe hands on the river.

Float down mild Grade I and II rapids of the popular Shotover River for about 1-1.5 hours. Along your rafting trip, you can still marvel at the beautiful colors and spectacular scenery of your Queenstown backcountry surroundings.

Enjoy splashing through the water with your family and also indulge in some family rock jumping under the guidance of an experienced rafting instructor. On an exhilarating day in the Queenstown outdoors, you will create lasting memories with your family and friends.

At the end of the delightful tour, you will return to the rafting base and your meeting place in Queenstown.

How much do rafting tours in Queenstown cost?

The family rafting and sightseeing adventure and the Shotover River rafting and 4x4 canyon tour in Queenstown cost about US$150 per person. The Kawarau River rafting and jet boat trip in Queenstown costs US$140.

What is included?

Included in your rafting tour in Queenstown are all rafting equipment, a qualified rafting guide, transport to the rafting base, GST, snacks and extensive safety instructions. Souvenir photos of your trip are available to purchase.

Where does it start?

The rafting trips in Queenstown normally start in the downtown area. Meeting points for the tours are the Station Building on Duke Street and points in Camp Street and Shotover Street.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of the rafting tours in Queenstown is 4.5 to 5 hours.

When is the best time for a rafting tour in Queenstown?

The best time for rafting tours in Queenstown is during the summer, from December to February. Because of the warmer weather, it is also the peak season for visitors pursuing adventure sports activities.

Is it safe?

Yes, rafting in Queenstown is safe and, according to American Whitewater, the risk for accidents in rafting is really quite low. Make sure to wear a life jacket and helmet at all times.

These tours are not suitable for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

The minimum age is 3 for the family rafting and sightseeing adventure in Queenstown, and the Shotover River rafting and 4WD canyon tour.

For the Kawarau River rafting and jet boat tour, the minimum age is 13. Youths aged 13 to 15 must be escorted by a guardian, and for unaccompanied youths aged 16 and 17, a waiver has to be signed by a guardian.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Rafting in Queenstown is dependent on good weather. If your tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or request a refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Queenstown?

Travel tips

Make sure to book your rafting tour in Queenstown in advance.
Bring a swimsuit and towel.
Don't bring too many electronics.