White Water Rafting in New Zealand

Experience the adrenaline-pumping rapids of the Shotover River, which runs through Skippers Canyon. Start your half-day trip from Queenstown with a coach drive into the steep canyon via historical Skippers Road, famous for its gold-mining past. The tranquil waters of Deep Creek soon give way to exhilarating white-water rapids, but rest assured you'll be rewarded with a sauna and hot shower afterward.

Shoot the grade II and III rapids on the Kawarau River with a guide on this half-day tour from Queenstown. Even beginners will feel safe and comfortable with expert supervision and instruction, as well as all provided equipment included. Take a swim through a rapid, jump off a cliff, and learn about the natural environment on this family-friendly trip that includes plenty of calm spots for splashing and floating.

Amp up your Queenstown adventure by white-water sledging down the Roaring Meg section of the Kawarau River! Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you lie on a purpose-built riverboard that allows you to steer through the rapids, waves and whirlpools before you catch your breath in a flat section. No previous experience is necessary, just confidence in the water as you're accompanied by a guide. Wetsuit, booties, helmet and fins are included on this small-group experience, limited to 10 people.

Experience the elation of Rangitaiki River white-water rafting over Grade 3 and 4 rapids on this 6-hour adventure for physically active participants. You'll bounce over whirling white water on a thrilling run through the stunning river valley, including a section of flat water where you can relax before lunch and a hot shower. Includes gear, paddling instruction, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Rotorua.

Test your nerve against Mother Nature's power in New Zealand on this 3-hour Tongariro River white-water rafting adventure from Taupo. Travel with your guide into the wilderness of New Zealand's beautiful North Island. Following a safety briefing, climb into your wetsuit, grab your paddle and head to the banks of the swirling Tongariro River. Navigate over 60 of the rolling river's choppy rapids and enjoy panoramic views over the mighty canyon. Spot native bird species along the way and replenish lost energy with a deli-style meal at the end.

This Kaituna River rafting adventure in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve promises plenty of thrills! With an expert guide at the helm, you'll paddle through Class 5 white-water rapids of the Kaituna River, including an awesome 21-foot (7-meter) drop down Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Accessible to adventurous beginners, this 3-hour tour includes a safety briefing with paddling instruction, all necessary equipment and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua.

Take a thrilling helicopter ride and white-water rafting trip down the Shotover or Kawarau rivers. This Queenstown heli-rafting adventure for adrenaline junkies departs in winter as well as summer. Soar through Skippers Canyon and raft from Deep Creek or Boulder Beach on a rollercoaster ride through white-water rapids. You'll learn rafting techniques from your expert guide and have the use of a sauna and hot shower afterward.

This Queenstown rafting trip on the Kawarau River takes you on a thrilling ride over Class II and III white-water rapids. You'll learn paddling techniques from an expert river guide who leads you down the scenic river, which drains Lake Wakatipu. You may feel like you're in Middle-earth, as the Kawarau River starred as the River Anduin in 'The Lord of the Rings' movie trilogy. After, warm up with a sauna and hot shower. No experience is necessary of this half-day tour, suitable for all fitness levels.

Enjoy a scenic rafting tour on the Rangitaiki River during a laid-back 6-hour tour from Rotorua. Travel over Grade 2 white-water rapids on a gentle ride past tumbling waterfalls, sheer rock cliffs and forest-clad river gorges as you relax and take in the scenery. The rolling rapids make this an ideal trip for families and those looking for a more relaxed experience. Includes lunch, gear, paddling instruction and a hot shower with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Go Waitomo black-water rafting (cave tubing) for a memorable adventure in the Waitomo Caves. Choose a 3-hour Labyrinth experience that takes you floating underground on an inner tube, including a small waterfall jump. Or upgrade to the 5-hour Black Abyss for an exhilarating abseil (rappel) down limestone walls; instruction and equipment included. The resident glowworms, stalactites and stalagmites will amaze you! Finish with a hot shower, soup and bagel.

Go white-water rafting on the Tongariro River on a 2-hour rafting trip that's ideal for families and first-time rafters. Paddle through a series of small, easy-going rapids with an experienced river guide to show you the ropes, then warm up with a warm cup of coffee or tea. This 2-hour tour includes round-trip transport from your hotel in Turangi or Taupo, and is limited to 15 people for a personalized experience. Both morning and afternoon departures are available.