Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

4.8(374)4 h 30 minFree cancellationBy RealNZ

About this activity

Join our Queenstown Rafting team on the iconic Shotover River for a whitewater rapid adventure. Your adventure begins with a short transfer from Queenstown to the Rafting Base, where you'll be fitted with wetsuit, rafting clothing and safety gear.

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 our world class guides 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.

What's included

✓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 equipment

Not included

✕Food and drinks

Meeting and pickup

Check-in is required at least 20 minute prior to your departure time.

Good to know

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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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