4.8 (374) · Queenstown · By RealNZ Free cancellation Private tour
Embark on an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure on the renowned Shotover River with our Queenstown Rafting team.
Your journey commences with a brief transfer from Queenstown to our Rafting Base. Here, you will be equipped with a wetsuit, rafting attire, and essential safety gear.
Following this, a scenic 40-minute drive along the historic Skippers Canyon Road awaits, famous for its stunning landscapes and its reputation as one of New Zealand's most challenging routes. Upon reaching Deep Creek, you will commence your rafting experience on the upper Shotover River. Our expert guides will assist you in practicing paddling techniques.
As you progress into the lower canyon, the thrill intensifies with challenging rapids such as After Shock, Jaws, Toilet, and Sequel. The pinnacle of the expedition is navigating the 170-meter-long Oxenbridge Tunnel in darkness, emerging into the exhilarating Cascade Rapid for a spectacular finish. A short walk back to the Rafting Base allows you to enjoy a warm shower before your return to Queenstown.
✓ Safety briefing: comprehensive instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience✓ Post-rafting comfort: Hot showers at Rafting Base✓ Scenic 4WD Transfer: Travel along the iconic Skippers Canyon Road to your starting point✓ Whitewater rapid adventure: Navigate the thrilling rapids of the Shotover River✓ Return transport: Shuttle bus from our Queenstown store to the Rafting Base and back✓ All necessary gear provided: Full wetsuit, rafting clothing and safety equipmentActivity Schedule
4 h 30
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
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Check-in is required at least 20 minute prior to your departure time.
Check-in is required at least 20 minute prior to your departure time.
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.
Travelers with a heart condition or high/low blood pressure, including that controlled with medication, are not able to participate.
There is a minimum weight of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg.
You are required to have competent swimming ability and moderate fitness.
Minimum age of 13 years old.
Guardian conditions apply for 18 years and younger.
You cannot participate if you are pregnant.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Must be able to swim Rafting while pregnant is prohibited Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited Minimum weight 40kg Maximum weight 120kg Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian All travelers between the age of 16 and 17 years require a waiver to be signed by a guardian if they are unaccompanied You must bring a swimsuit and towel Rapids vary with water levels. Shotover route usually includes class 3-5 rapids, depending on conditions Digital photos included to remember your adventure! 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. Shotover Raft Shotover River: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting (grade 3-5) with 4WD adventure through Skippers Canyon Ensure you meet the minimum age and weight requirements. Bring a swimsuit and towel for after your rafting trip. Listen carefully to your guide's safety instructions. Be prepared for a moderate level of physical exertion. The rapids' intensity can vary with water levels. Digital photos are available to capture your adventure. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 3342P27
Activity offered by RealNZ via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurous individuals Thrill-seekers Nature lovers Those seeking a unique Queenstown experience Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the iconic Shotover River. Enjoy a scenic 4WD transfer through the historic Skippers Canyon. Navigate challenging rapids like After Shock and Jaws. Conquer the unique Oxenbridge Tunnel and Cascade Rapid. All necessary safety gear and wetsuits are provided. Hot showers available post-adventure at the Rafting Base.
Population 29,000 (2023)
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 11° Jan 11° Feb 9° Mar 6° Apr 3° May 1° Jun 0° Jul 1° Aug 3° Sept 5° Oct 7° Nov 10° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What are the weight restrictions for this rafting trip? + There is a minimum weight of 40 kg and a maximum weight of 120 kg to participate.
What is the minimum age to participate? + The minimum age is 13 years old. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian.
Do I need to know how to swim? + Yes, you are required to have competent swimming ability.
What should I bring with me? + You must bring a swimsuit and towel.
Can I participate if I am pregnant or have a heart condition? + No, you cannot participate if you are pregnant or have any heart condition.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The activity may be cancelled if the weather is poor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A great time
GrandTour08330794450, April 2026
A great experience for us first time rafters! Felt very well taken care of by the professional guides and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly on the water with Francie :)
★★★★★ Viator review
It is a great experience...
Christine_M, April 2026
It is a great experience packed with heaps of fun and frights. Our tour guide Raju made it incredible for us explaining the history behind the landscapes and was exceeding with his safety procedures. 10/10 would recommend
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A Great Day On The Water
RockyTagliata, April 2026
My wife and I (62 and 64, respectively) thoroughly enjoyed our day of rafting in the Shotover River. Our guide, who happened to turn 38 years old that day, was a Nepalese gentleman who, in addition to being a fantastic and very demonstrative river guide, was a font of knowledge about the river, its history and, much to everybody's enjoyment and edification, Nepalese farming! Given the fact that the combined age of any two other people in our raft didn't equal either of ours (five people in the raft, plus the guide), we were a bit worried that we would not be able to handle rough waters. Luckily, this time of year the water is fairly low and the rapids were not too severe. We were even allowed to jump into the frigid water and float down the river on our backs several times. This resulted in us having to actually utilize the techniques demonstrated to us for getting back on the raft from the water. Even if the water were to be a bit more active, my guess is that our guide would have been able to keep us out of trouble. The equipment provided (wet suit, complete with boots, a water jacket, helmet and safety vest) was in pretty good shape, clean and did the jobs they were supposed to do. The changing facility is very well run and the changing room comes with cubbyholes to store your clothes and a locked area for your valuables. The safety instruction provided was very detailed, informative, and was demonstrated well. The scariest part of the day was the 45 minute ride from the site where you get outfitted to the actual rafting site. The road we took is called Skippers Canyon Road and it offers AMAZING views of the Mt Aurum Recreation Reserve. If you are afraid of heights, you should do what my wife did as our tour guide gave us the history of the road: she closed her eyes the entire time. Usually, a 45 minute bus ride before you actually start your activity is a huge negative. That's not the case here. Google Skippers Canyon Road and you'll understand why. Communication with the tour provider was fantastic. The meeting point is right along the waterfront in Queenstown and the coordination of checking in and getting driven (10-15 minutes) to the rafting site is seamless. The rafting trip ends at the equipment distribution site, so there is no need for another harrowing 45 minute bus trip. There are hot showers available (everybody we were with took advantage of them) at the equipment facility. This tour (including the incredible bus ride) is money well spent and is a great way to spend a half day in Queenstown.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Legit!
davidtharpt, March 2026
This is an excellent trip. My son and I are whitewater kayakers and this rafting trip was a thrill. Light rapids and scenery! Professional and fun guides.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great guides, fun rafting and cold water
momindianashan, March 2026
Wow! The river was not high but the guides were hilarious and talented. The photos are free and the water deliciously cold. The rafting was fun and we popped out to float a bit. Equipment was in good shape. Bring a towel. The showers were tepid but welcome.
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