Water Sports in Queenstown

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.

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.

Access remote wilderness areas on this Queenstown jet-boat tour across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River. The high-speed 1-hour ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping as your expert driver maneuvers into 360-degree spins, performs fishtail turns and navigates between narrow canyon walls. Snap photos of your scenic surroundings, including the Remarkables mountain range, and watch bungy jumpers plunge from the Kawarau Bridge. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day.

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River and speeds through the milky waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water. You'll cover more ground in less time, and receive a complimentary entrance ticket to Queenstown's Underwater Observatory.

Dive deep into the waters of Lake Wakatipu and explode into the sky as a passenger in the thrilling Seabreacher X watercraft. Brace yourself for stunts and high speeds in this unique 'shark machine', one of the only ones operating commercially in the entire world. Experience exciting side-rolls, long dives and 360-degree spins in this private thrillride - each ride is one-on-one with your pilot.

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.

Take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River during an extreme 25-minute ride, and make use of transport from Queenstown. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water's surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won't soon forget.

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.

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.