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Kawarau River White Water Rafting by RealNZ
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Highlights

  • Ride the Kawarau River’s grade 2-3 rapids on a beginner-friendly rafting trip, perfect for first-timers and those wanting a fun, scenic adventure.
  • Race your friends through the river’s wide channels, enjoy calm stretches for swimming, and tackle the thrilling 400-meter-long Dog Leg rapid.
  • Take in stunning Central Otago scenery as you paddle through rugged gorges, past vineyards, and along the famous filming sites of The Lord of the Rings.
  • Upgrade your adventure with a high-speed 25-minute jet boat ride, skimming across the water and pulling 360° spins before you hit the rapids.
  • Fun fact: The Kawarau River flows into the turquoise waters of Lake Dunstan and was historically used by Māori for travel, trade, and gathering food.

Your Experience

Tackle grade 2–3 rapids on the Kawarau River with certified guides, including the iconic 400m Dog Leg rapid, on this 4.5-hour rafting adventure.

Getting started

Check in at the Rafting Base in Queenstown, where you’ll meet your guides and receive a full safety briefing. After gearing up with provided wetsuits and equipment, board the shuttle for a short transfer to the river’s starting point.

What to expect

The Kawarau River, set amid Central Otago’s vineyard landscapes, is renowned for accessible yet exhilarating whitewater rafting. This river features the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand, making it a standout for both first-timers and thrill-seekers.

Features

  • Dog Leg rapid: Navigate the 400m Dog Leg, the country’s longest commercial rapid, for a true test of teamwork and paddling skills.

  • Optional cliff jumping: Water levels permitting, try an optional cliff jump for an extra shot of adrenaline.

  • Scenic river route: Paddle through stretches flanked by Central Otago vineyards, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.

  • Safety and comfort: All safety gear is provided, with hot showers and secure lockers available at the Rafting Base after your trip.

  • Return shuttle: Convenient transport back to downtown Queenstown is included, ensuring a seamless finish to your adventure.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 1-hour rafting on the Kawarau River
  • Experienced rafting guides
  • Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base
  • All rafting and safety equipment including wetsuit and helmet
  • Use of hot showers
  • 25-minute jet boat ride (based on selected option)
  • Food (can be purchased at Canyon Brewing Queenstown after the trip)

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Ticket Delivery

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 20 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Meet your guide at RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre.

  • Address: RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, CBD, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

Bring your own swimsuit and towel; wetsuits work best with swimwear only. Bring a valid photo ID for age verification if requested at check-in. It is recommended to bring only essential items; secure lockers are available for small valuables at the Rafting Base.

Cameras, GoPros, and other recording devices are not allowed on the raft for health and safety reasons. Jeans or cotton clothing are not permitted under wetsuits. Large bags and unnecessary valuables are not recommended; storage is limited. Spectators are not allowed due to the remote location, friends and family cannot watch the trip. Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the weight of 40kg (88.18lb), over the weight of 120kg (264.55lb) and under the age of 13 years.

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair. Pregnant people and guests with back issues, cardiac issues, and other serious medical conditions cannot participate in the experience. Participants must be able to swim 25m unaided and have moderate fitness. Participants must be able to understand and follow safety briefings in English, or have a translator in their party.

All participants must sign a waiver form. Guests under 16 years old must have a guardian traveling with them and all guests under 18 years old must have a waiver form signed by a guardian. Guests must be water-confident, able to swim in fast-moving water, and agree to carefully follow instructions from the guides. Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level. The operator reserves the right to refuse participation and cancel or amend any trips due to river, road, or weather conditions or insufficient numbers in the interest of all guests’ safety. All trips are subject to weather, river levels, and water temperature, and may be cancelled or substituted for safety reasons. Trips operate with minimum numbers; reconfirm your booking at least 24 hours prior to departure. A comprehensive safety briefing and all necessary rafting equipment are provided. Hot showers and toilets are available at the Rafting Base. Food and beverages are available for purchase after the trip at Canyon Brewing Queenstown. All guides are qualified and certified professionals. Participation involves a degree of risk; safety cannot be guaranteed. 1% of all online bookings until the end of September go towards protecting the Pukunui NZ Southern Dotterel.

Reviews

4.3 (210 reviews)

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