Hanmer Springs Rafting Adventure
Description
Set amongst stunning mountains and pink marble formations, the Waiau River of Hanmer Springs provides an idyllic backdrop for a rafting trip. This 2-hour excursion offers a relaxing ride, with Grade II rapids making it a family-friendly activity. Learn about the region from your river guide, jump off a cliff (optional-river dependent) , then hold on as you get picked up in a jetboat to return back to base.
Tour Options
Itinerary
With the scenic Waiau River canyon set amongst stunning mountains and marble land formations, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience. A must-do adventure perfect for all ages, especially families and small groups.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- No experience necessary on grade II rapids
- Child age 6 to 13 years. Children must fit safety equipment in order to participate.
- Reasonable standard of fitness required
- Advisable to bring swimwear, towel, and sunscreen
Reviews(32)
This was an absolute blast. We all had an awesome time in the raft jumping off the rocks, river swimming and the jet boat ride back up to the bridge. Thoroughly recommend. Our guide Kade was a legend, awesome funny and chill.
Hello there, thank you for this review. Cade is a natural born raft guide and we love to have him in our midst. We are super happy he made your day special and hope to see you back again soon. Cheers from Hanmer Springs Attractions Team
The experience had the bones of a 5 Star review but was let down by elements out of the staff’s control and some within their control. Positives - we were provided with all the necessary safety gear and wetsuits to keep us warm in the cold water. The rafting was suitable for novices and easy to navigate with the help of our guide, Amelia. We all had a terrific time jumping from the rocks into the icy water, then swimming furiously back to the rafts before being swept downstream by the fast current. The jet boat ride back was OK too - not thrilling but an experience in itself. Negatives - our experience was hampered by a large family group of 12 whom could not follow simple instructions by staff. Thus, everything took longer than it should - fitting of wet suits, rafting, returning to rafts after river jumps etc. Subsequently, our rafting experience did not meet the usual standards offered by this company. We were told by staff that to compensate us for a reduced experience, we would receive free photographs. We did not ask for this and were prepared to pay, however this token was offered to us. The electronic photos we received were covered by the company watermark. Efforts to contact HS Attractions by email have been unsuccessful - in fact they have not responded at all which has left a bad taste. However, I would still recommend this company. I think we just were unlucky with our fellow travellers whom were a little selfish.
Thanks very much for your feedback. It is great to hear you had a good time rafting. We apologize for any inconvenience with the photos and will look into it further. We do hope to see you back again next time. Regards from Hanmer Springs Attractions
We did the jet boat/rafting combination. Both were fun not too scary. Lovely friendly helpful staff. Very safely conscious.
Kia Ora MichelleG The Waiau River is a Grade 2 level for family fun rafting experiences. Our jet boating can safely run in just centimetres of water, doing 360 spins and navigating the narrow canyon. Thanks, the Hanmer Springs Attractions Team.
My children and I had the most amazing experience on the Rafting Adventure. Our guide Christian shared a lot about the environment from the native animals to learning about the seabed and the surrounding hills. The river was family friendly, loads to experience and learn. What a blast! Thank you
Hi L3380 Thank you for Rafting the Waiau River in Hanmer Springs, a grade 2 river which is great for families. We have an amazing surrounding environment and beautiful ever changing scenery.. Thanks, the Hanmer springs Attractions Team.
We had a great time with our guide Brayden. Jumped off and swam, plenty of fun for everyone. Thank you
Hi Elodie l Rafting on the Waiau River which is grade 2 is great for families, friends or larger groups. Thanks, the Hanemr Springs Attractions Team.
It was a great day out. We went as a group, 3 adults and 4 kids. The river is perfect for kids as a first rafting experience. Being grade 2 it's quite tame and so was easy for the kids to feel comfortable. The experience as a whole was great. Our guide, Christian, was very friendly and helpful.
Hi Carl B Yes the Waiau River is a great entry level river for a family rafting experience. Thanks, the Hanmer Springs Attractions Team
Had the best fun, felt safe, guide was excellent and great with all of the group, individually and as a team. It was all of our first time rafting and I would definitely do it again.
Hi BlueFantail2020 Rafting on the Waiau River - grade 2 is perfect entry level for groups/families or individuals. We look forward to your next visit, thanks, The Hanmer Springs Attractions Team.
Our guide, Daniel was awesome. Such a fun day out with our teenage kids & their mates - all first time rafters. Loved the rock jump, thanks to Daniel's coaching, the not so keen ones still had a go & were so pleased with themselves. Jetboat ride back was great bonus. Very happy with the photos/videos to remember the day too.
Hi KirstenChristchurch The rock jumping is such a fun element of the rafting experience, great to hear every body had a go. Sounds like you have great holiday memories to both think about and recapture in the photos. Thanks, The Hanmer Springs Attractions Team.
It was a very cool activity for our family, two adults and 6yo and 11yo kids! Our guide, Daniel, was fantastic!!! We highly recommend him for the rafting adventure. He is an expert in rafting, has a great sense of humour, and made our trip unforgettable with the rock jumping! Coming back in the jet boat is like a cherry on top!
Hi vicpollett Daniel will appreciate your feedback. The Waiau River being Grade 2 is great for a family adventure. The rock jumping is very popular with a lot of the rafters. Thanks, The Hanmer Springs Attractions Team
Great family fun. Dan was a great guide, making it fun and safe. We had the bonus of the return trip in the jet boat which was awesome
Hi Emma The Waiau River is rated Grade 2 - ideal family rafting experience. Dan will appreciate the feedback. Thanks, The Hanmer Springs Attractions Team.
