Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting
+2 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 4h 30min
- Price from
- $143 / person
- Location
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 76 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Up to 20 people
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- RealNZ
- Meeting point
- Check-in is required at least 20 minute prior to your departure time.
Description
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.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM
- Next available
- Tue, Nov 3
- Adult (ages 13+)
- $143
In demand: 84 of the next 120 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Nov 1.
Tour Options
What's included
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
Not included
Food and drinks
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
76 reviews
How it compares in Queenstown
- Starting price $143 is 14% below the typical $166 for tours of similar length in Queenstown
- Price over the last 30 days: $142–$145
Excurgo comparison of 424 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- 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.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting take?
Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting lasts about 4h 30min.
How much does Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting cost?
Prices start at $143 per person for this Queenstown 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.
What days does Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
Does Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting sell out?
It can: 84 of the next 120 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Check-in is required at least 20 minute prior to your departure time. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 76 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by RealNZ.
Reviews(76)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Compare similar tours in Queenstown
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- Shortest: Queenstown 30-Minute Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride with music — 30 min
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting | 4h 30min | 4.9 (76) | $143 | |
 Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting | 4h 30min | 4.8 (374) | $172 | View |
 Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown | 5 hours | 4.8 (117) | $177 | View |
 Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown | 5 hours | 4.9 (344) | $189 | View |
 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers | 1 hour | 4.7 (628) | $92 | View |
 Queenstown 30-Minute Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride with music | 30 min | 4.8 (26) | $69 | View |
 Queenstown: Kawarau Gorge Trail Self-Guided eBike Adventure | 7 hours | — | $109 | View |
from$143
4.9(76) Free cancellation