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.
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.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hanmer Springs Rafting Adventure lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
Prices start at $97 per person for this Hanmer Springs experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 9 participants.
Child age 6 to 13 years. Children must fit safety equipment in order to participate.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 41 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Hanmer Springs Attractions.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
What a fabulous tour. Our tour guide looked after us throughout our time, keeping us informed of what to expect and ensuring we enjoyed the tour experience. It was super cold and the bonus of heated hand rails was waiting for us when we got into the jet boat to head back. Well worth it!
Attended in chilly early August whist in Christchurch for a conference and had a great experience. Well led by our guide, Andrew, who equally accommodated those in our group who were a little anxious, as well as the more adventurous types. Strongly recommend.
Did the rafting/jet boat return trip with Elodie - she was amazing and it was a fantastic experience. Totally worth the money and I'd 10/10 go again
Élodie was the perfect guide for our first time rafting, she was so kind and patient with our children and full of confidence and infectious enthusiasm. As well as teaching us techniques she also told us lots of interesting information about the geology of the gorge, the formation of the river, how to read the river and how to spot danger (and fun!) areas. The setting for the rafting is stunningly beautiful, and the jet boat ride back is a wild ride. We’d recommend this to anyone - our kids haven’t stopped talking about it. And if you’re lucky enough to get Élodie as your guide, you’ll be sure to have the perfect experience.
We did the rafting and jet boat ride back as a family and friend. Our guide was Elodie, who was amazing. We loved every moment of it even tho it was on a colder day. All equipment was provided and we were well looked after and instructed. Heaps of fun including the rock jumping into the river. All the kids want to go back and like to do more and more. Can highly recommend.
Our family of four had an amazing experience with Hanmer Springs Attractions! The rafting and jet boat rides were absolutely thrilling and so much fun. The staff were incredibly friendly, professional, and made us feel safe and well cared for at all times. It was a memorable experience for all of us, and we can’t recommend it highly enough. We’ll definitely be back!
We took our 8 and 10 year old boys rafting today and we all had amazing time! Maddie was an incredible guide. The jet boat ride back was the icing on the cake!
The staff really made this tour. Loads of fun, kids had a blast but the best part were definitely our guides Tully and Becs. Thanks guys for creating the best memories, dad jokes and all ☺️
We so enjoyed our rafting experience, Kylie came to pick us up and right from the word go she was fun and informative. The equipment supplied was good quality and comfortable. Our river guide Lena was clear in her directons and made all involved feel confident on the water. We covered about 10km and although the river was fairly calm we still enjoyed the sections of rapids we went down. Made us want to do it again when the river runs even quicker. The jet boat ride back was fantastic too and made us realise just how far we had travelled.
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
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanmer Springs Rafting Adventure | 2 hours | 4.7 (41) | $97 | |
 Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown | 5 hours | 4.9 (344) | $188 | View |
 Hanmer Springs Pool Day Tour From Christchurch | 8 hours | 5.0 (4) | $132 | View |
 Hanmer Springs Hot Pool Private Return Trip From Christchurch | 8 hours | 5.0 (1) | $166 | View |
 Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch | 8h 30min | 4.4 (17) | $140 | View |
 Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting | 10 hours | 5.0 (3) | $343 | View |
 Christchurch To Hanmer Springs Hot Pool (Including Ticket) | 6–8 hours | 5.0 (1) | $200 | View |