Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

Queenstown, NZ
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (374 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

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    Other
    Safety briefing: comprehensive instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
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    Other
    Post-rafting comfort: Hot showers at Rafting Base
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    Other
    Scenic 4WD Transfer: Travel along the iconic Skippers Canyon Road to your starting point
  • inclusion
    Other
    Whitewater rapid adventure: Navigate the thrilling rapids of the Shotover River
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    Other
    Return transport: Shuttle bus from our Queenstown store to the Rafting Base and back
  • inclusion
    Other
    All necessary gear provided: Full wetsuit, rafting clothing and safety equipment

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    Food and drinks

Meeting Point

Check-in is required at least 20 minute prior to your departure time. Please verify your email address when checking in, so we can send your complimentary digital photos to post experience!.

Meeting point

RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300 , New Zealand

End point

End Point

Check-in is required at least 20 minute prior to your departure time. Please verify your email address when checking in, so we can send your complimentary digital photos to post experience!.

Meeting point

RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300 , New Zealand

End point

What to expect

Your adventure begins with a short transfer from Queenstown to the Rafting Base, where you'll be fitted with a wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, and helmet. From there, enjoy a 40-minute drive along the historic Skippers Canyon Road, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and reputation as one of New Zealand's most dangerous roads. Once you arrive at Deep Creek, you'll start on the upper section of the Shotover River, where your guide will help you practise paddling techniques. As you move into the lower canyon, the excitement builds with rapids like After Shock, Jaws, Toilet, and Sequel. The highlight of the journey comes as you plunge into the darkness of the 170-metre-long Oxenbridge Tunnel before bursting into Cascade Rapid for a thrilling finish. After a short walk back to the Rafting Base, you can warm up with hot showers before returning to Queenstown. Please note for safety we have minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg to participate
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Shotover River

Your adventure begins with a short transfer from Queenstown to the Rafting Base, where you'll be fitted with a wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, and helmet. From there, enjoy a 40-minute drive along the historic Skippers Canyon Road, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and reputation as one of New Zealand's most dangerous roads. Once you arrive at Deep Creek, you'll start on the upper section of the Shotover River, where your guide will help you practise paddling techniques. As you move into the lower canyon, the excitement builds with rapids like After Shock, Jaws, Toilet, and Sequel. The highlight of the journey comes as you plunge into the darkness of the 170-metre-long Oxenbridge Tunnel before bursting into Cascade Rapid for a thrilling finish. After a short walk back to the Rafting Base, you can warm up with hot showers before returning to Queenstown. Enjoy complimentary digital photos sent directly to you after your experience! Please note for safety we have minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg to participate

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Lower Shotover

Lower Shotover, nestled in the picturesque Queenstown, is a thrilling destination for adventure seekers. Famous for its stunning landscapes and exhilarating activities, this location promises an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping fun.

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Queenstown

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    All travelers between the age of 16 and 17 years require a waiver to be signed by a guardian if they are unaccompanied
  • Additional information
    Digital photos included to remember your adventure!
  • Additional information
    Maximum weight 120kg
  • Additional information
    Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
  • Additional information
    Minimum weight 40kg
  • Additional information
    Must be able to swim
  • Additional information
    Rafting while pregnant is prohibited
  • Additional information
    Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited
  • Additional information
    Rapids vary with water levels. Shotover route usually includes class 3-5 rapids, depending on conditions
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    You must bring a swimsuit and towel
  • Additional information
    • 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.
Provided by RealNZ

What our experts say

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    Bring a swimsuit and towel
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    Check weather; it can get chilly
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    Warm up with hot showers post-raft
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    Visit nearby Queenstown for dining
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    Practice paddling before the rapids

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting. Join our team of world-class guides as they take you on a thrilling whitewater rapid adventure on the iconic Shotover River. From the moment you step foot on our pristine rafts, get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with heart-pounding excitement and breathtaking natural beauty.

What to expect?

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating ride through grade 3–5 whitewater rapids, set against the backdrop of one of the most scenic environments in the world. As you navigate the ever-changing rapids, our expert guides will ensure your safety while ensuring an adrenaline-fueled experience. From canyons to thrilling cliff edges, the Shotover River will test your courage and provide endless thrills throughout the entire adventure.

Who is this for?

This experience is perfect for adventure seekers and thrill lovers of all ages. Whether you're a first-time rafter or a seasoned pro, our guides will tailor the experience to suit your abilities. Feel the rush of conquering the rapids with friends or make unforgettable memories with your family as you navigate the pristine waters of the Shotover River.

Why book this?

Embark on this breathtaking adventure because it’s not just about the rapids, it’s about the entire experience. From the moment you board the coach for a thrilling journey through Skippers Canyon, you'll be hooked. Our expert guides go above and beyond to ensure your trip is truly unforgettable. With their wealth of knowledge and passion for the outdoors, they'll take you on a journey you won't soon forget.

Good to know

Before embarking on this adventure, keep in mind that there is a minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and a maximum weight of 120 kg for safety purposes. The total duration of the trip is approximately 270 minutes, and along the way, you'll paddle through rapids such as After Shock, Jaws, Toilet, and Sequel. After an adrenaline-fueled plunge through the 170m long Oxenbridge Tunnel and Cascade Rapid, you'll find yourself back at the Rafting Base where hot showers await.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting rave about the incredible guides who make the adventure truly extraordinary. They praise the beautiful scenery and heart-pumping rapids that provide an adrenaline rush like no other. Many highlight the professionalism and expertise of the guides, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience for all. Overall, visitors have left with memories to last a lifetime and a desire to return for another rafting adventure.

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