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Highlights
- Experience adrenaline-pumping rafting on New Zealand's Shotover River with professional guides as you navigate intense grade 3-5 rapids during this thrilling adventure.
- Start a coach journey through Skippers Canyon, where towering cliffs descend to the winding Shotover River below over its 22 km length.
- Travel through the historic Oxenbridge Tunnel, which stretches for 170m and was carved out during the gold rush era, before emerging into Cascade Rapid's churning waters.
- Paddle amidst powerful rapids with stunning views of rugged schist cliffs and the Remarkables mountain range as you raft down The Shotover River.
- Did you know? During the gold rush period, the Shotover River was dubbed 'the richest river in the world' due to its abundant gold deposits.
Your Experience
Start an exhilarating 4.5-hour whitewater rafting journey down New Zealand's Shotover River, where expert guides lead you through six challenging grade 3–5 rapids in this thrilling adventure.
Getting started
Your adventure begins with a shuttle from Queenstown to the Rafting Base for safety briefings and gear fitting. After meeting your professional guides, take a scenic coach ride through Skippers Canyon to reach the river’s launch point.
The Shotover River Adventure
Known for its dramatic canyon scenery and challenging rapids, The Shotover River is a premier destination in New Zealand for whitewater rafting enthusiasts.
- Navigate six exhilarating grade 3–5 rapids on the river’s course, providing an exciting challenge even for water-competent swimmers.
- Enjoy stunning views of Skippers Canyon's rugged landscape during a scenic coach ride along its cliffside roads.
- Raft through the unique 170m Oxenbridge tunnel, adding an memorable element to your river journey.
- Experience rafting in small groups with up to eight people per raft for a more intimate and personalized adventure.
- All necessary wetsuits, jackets, helmets, and safety equipment are provided, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the trip. Hot showers await you at the end of your journey.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Experience 2-hour rafting on The Shotover River.
- Guided by Professional rafting guides.
- Enjoy round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the Rafting Base.
- Receive all necessary rafting and safety equipment, including wetsuit and helmet.
- Have access to hot showers.
- Personal expenses
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 a swimsuit and towel for post-rafting comfort.
- If under 18, ensure you have a valid photo ID as proof of age may be required.
- Avoid bringing cameras or recording devices; they are not permitted on the raft due to safety reasons.
- Personal clothing for rafting is not allowed—gear will be provided by RealNZ.
- Lockers at the Rafting Base can securely store your essential items during the adventure.
Ticket Delivery
Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the boarding point 15 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 boarding point.
Boarding point
Board your raft at RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre.
Address: RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, 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.
14 answered
Booking FAQs
Bring a swimsuit and towel for use after your rafting experience. Bring a valid photo ID if you are under 18, as proof of age may be required. Bring only essential personal items; lockers are available at the Rafting Base for storage.
Cameras, GoPros, and other recording devices are not allowed on the raft for health and safety reasons. Personal clothing for rafting is not permitted; all necessary gear will be provided. Spectators are not allowed on the river due to the remote location and terrain. Participation is not permitted for non-swimmers, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions (except managed blood pressure with medication). Participation is not permitted for those unable to understand or follow safety briefings in English, unless accompanied by a translator. Valuables are advised not to be brought to the experience. Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the weight of 40kg (88.18lb), over the weight of 118kg (260.15lb) and under the age of 13 years.
The experience is not fully wheelchair accessible. Pregnant people and guests with back issues, cardiac issues, and other serious medical conditions cannot participate in the experience.
Participants must be water-competent (able to swim 25m unaided) and possess moderate fitness. All participants must sign a waiver form. Listen carefully to guides’ instructions at all times. All trips are subject to weather, river level, and water temperature; the operator may cancel or substitute routes for safety reasons. Portages may be required based on changes to water level and flow. Glasses and sunglasses are allowed with a sports strap. Hot showers, toilets, and lockers are available at the Rafting Base. Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk; safety cannot be absolutely guaranteed. 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.
Yes. This experience includes Raft the fast-moving waters of the Shotover River with an expert guide, tackling intense grade 3-5 rapids on this adrenaline-fueled adventure.
Your booking includes 2-hour rafting on the Shotover River, Professional rafting guides, Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base, and All rafting and safety equipment including wetsuit and helmet.
The experience is listed as 4.5-hour.
Small group rafts: Experience the adventure with a maximum of 8 people per raft for a more personal outing.
Raft the fast-moving waters of the Shotover River with an expert guide, tackling intense grade 3-5 rapids on this adrenaline-fueled adventure.
Paddle through surging rapids, surrounded by rugged schist cliffs and panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.
Bring a valid photo ID if you are under 18, as proof of age may be required.
Accessibility.
The listed exclusion is Personal Expenses.
This activity takes place in Queenstown.
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