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Highlights
- Experience a beginner-friendly rafting adventure on the Kawarau River’s grade 2-3 rapids, ideal for first-timers seeking an exciting yet scenic journey.
- Engage in friendly races with friends through wide river channels and enjoy calm stretches perfect for swimming before tackling the exhilarating 400-meter-long Dog Leg rapid.
- Paddle through rugged gorges and past vineyards while taking in stunning views of Central Otago, including famous filming locations from The Lord of the Rings.
- Enhance your adventure by upgrading to a high-speed jet boat ride lasting 25 minutes, featuring thrilling spins before navigating the rapids.
- Discover that the Kawarau River flows into Lake Dunstan’s turquoise waters and was historically significant for Māori travel, trade, and food gathering.
Your Experience
Start an exhilarating 4.5-hour rafting journey down the Kawarau River with expert guides. Experience grade 2–3 rapids and tackle the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid in New Zealand’s Central Otago.
Getting started
Your adventure begins at Queenstown's Rafting Base, where you'll meet your certified guides for a complete safety briefing. After equipping yourself with wetsuits and necessary gear, board the shuttle to the river launch site.
The Kawarau River offers an accessible yet thrilling whitewater experience amid Central Otago’s picturesque vineyard landscapes. Known for its longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand, it appeals to both newcomers and seasoned thrill-seekers.
- Experience the Dog Leg rapid: Navigate this iconic 400m stretch that challenges your teamwork and paddling prowess.
- Optional cliff jumping: If water levels allow, take an extra leap of adrenaline with a cliff jump.
- Savor scenic views: Enjoy the journey through vineyard-lined sections of Central Otago’s stunning natural scenery.
- Enjoy safety and comfort: All necessary safety equipment is provided, along with hot showers and secure lockers at the Rafting Base post-trip.
- Come back easily: A return shuttle to downtown Queenstown ensures a smooth conclusion to your adventure.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- 1-hour rafting experience on the Kawarau River
- Guidance from experienced rafting guides
- Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the Rafting Base
- All necessary rafting and safety equipment, including wetsuit and helmet
- Access to hot showers for use after rafting
- (Optional) 25-minute jet boat ride based on selected option
- Food is not included but can be bought at Canyon Brewing Queenstown post-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.
Must Know
- Bring your own swimsuit and towel for comfort; wetsuits are designed to be worn over swimwear.
- A valid photo ID is required at check-in if age verification is needed, so ensure you have it handy.
- Only essential items should be brought along as secure lockers are available for small valuables at the Rafting Base.
- Cameras and other recording devices like GoPros are not permitted on the raft due to health and safety regulations.
- Avoid wearing jeans or cotton clothing under your wetsuit, as they're not allowed in the water for comfort and practicality reasons.
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.
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.
13 answered
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.
Yes, the Kawarau River White Water Rafting by RealNZ includes experienced rafting guides to lead you through grade 2-3 rapids.
No, mandatory security checks cannot be skipped. They are essential for health and safety reasons during the activity.
The rafting trip features the iconic Dog Leg rapid on the Kawarau River and passes through scenic areas like vineyards and locations from The Lord of the Rings film series.
No, cameras and other recording devices are prohibited on the rafts due to health and safety regulations.
Bring your own swimsuit as wetsuits work best with swimwear only. Avoid jeans or cotton clothing under wetsuits, and bring a towel along with essential items.
It's important to arrive on time as specified in your booking details since delays could impact participation. Check-in times are crucial for safety briefings and equipment distribution.
Bring only essential items; secure lockers at the Rafting Base are available to store small valuables safely during your trip.
Meals are not included in the rafting experience. However, you can purchase food and drinks at Canyon Brewing Queenstown after completing the trip.
Your package includes a 1-hour rafting session on the Kawarau River, experienced guides, round-trip bus transfer from Queenstown to the base, all necessary safety equipment including wetsuits and helmets, access to hot showers, and an optional high-speed jet boat ride.
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