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Shotover River White Water Rafting by RealNZ
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Up to 24 hours before the experience starts

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Highlights

  • Raft the fast-moving waters of the Shotover River with an expert guide, tackling intense grade 3-5 rapids on this adrenaline-fueled adventure.
  • Travel by coach through the narrow, 22 km-long Skippers Canyon, where sheer cliffs drop to the winding Shotover River far below.
  • Ride through the 170m-long Oxenbridge Tunnel, carved during the gold rush, before bursting out into the churning whitewater of Cascade Rapid.
  • Paddle through surging rapids, surrounded by rugged schist cliffs and panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.
  • Fun fact: During the gold rush, the Shotover River was one of the world’s richest gold-bearing rivers, earning it the nickname "the richest river in the world!"

Your Experience

Tackle six grade 3–5 rapids on the Shotover River with expert guides in this action-packed 4.5-hour whitewater rafting adventure.

Getting started

Begin your journey in Queenstown, where a shuttle takes you to the Rafting Base for a safety briefing and gear fitting. After meeting your guides, travel by coach through Skippers Canyon to the river’s launch point.

What to expect

The Shotover River is renowned for its challenging rapids and dramatic canyon scenery, making it a premier destination for whitewater rafting in New Zealand.

Features

  • Grade 3–5 rapids: Navigate six exhilarating whitewater sections, offering a thrilling test for water-competent swimmers.

  • Skippers Canyon: Enjoy a scenic coach ride along cliffside roads, showcasing the region’s rugged landscape.

  • Oxenbridge tunnel: Raft through a 170m tunnel, a unique highlight of the river route.

  • Small group rafts: Experience the adventure with a maximum of 8 people per raft for a more personal outing.

  • Comfort and safety: All wetsuits, jackets, helmets, and safety equipment are provided, with hot showers available at the end.

Inclusions

  • 2-hour rafting on the Shotover River
  • Professional 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

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 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.

Get directions to the boarding 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 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.

Reviews

4.3 (114 reviews)

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