Kawarau River Rafting: Scenic Whitewater Adventure

Experience thrilling rapids and stunning scenery on Queenstown’s Kawarau River. Perfect for first-timers, this adventure promises excitement and unforgettable memories.

Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Kawarau River - Start your adventure by meeting the team at the RealNZ Visitor Centre, located at 88 Beach Street, Queenstown! A courtesy coach will transport you to the rafting base, where you will receive all the gear included in the package. Once fully equipped and prepared, the raft guides will lead you to the start of the rapids for a…
What's Included
  • Coach transport to and from Raft Base
  • Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
  • Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
  • Use of hot showers
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
Additional Information

Experience the thrill of rafting on the Kawarau River, famously known as the River Anduin from Lord of the Rings, for an exciting half-day adventure in Queenstown. This activity is ideal for beginners looking to try whitewater rafting. Enjoy the thrill of numerous rapids while also taking in the breathtaking scenery. A complimentary shuttle will…

Location
RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre
Beach Street
Check-in is required at least 20 minute prior to your departure time.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(42 Ratings)
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Q526qyjulieg
Nov 27, 2025
Exciting and exhilarating experience! - Fantastic rafting experience with RealNZ. Mark was a brilliant instructor as were all the team. Safety was a key component and still we had a really fun and exhilarating afternoon. Would highly recommend it and what a fabulous river to raft on. Thanks
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H2069mxmarinae
Nov 26, 2025
fun experience - it was an amazing afternoon. The rapids were such fun. The team / instructors all looked after us so well and whilst being fun, friendly they were also very professional.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannonwestwood7
Nov 21, 2025
Must do in QT! - Must do activity when in Queenstown! We booked on the day before and are so glad that we did. The staff were super friendly and gave a thorough safety briefing about the equipment and the rapids. The activity itself was so much fun and we got to ride a grade 4 rapid at the end! We have never done white water rafting before but after this experience we would love to try it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tanya622001
Nov 18, 2025
Mad fun - Great experience, mad fun. This was my second time rafting but this one was definitely a lot of fun. The guides were great, Morgan was guiding the raft I was in and it was a perfect experience. The bus dropped us close to the river but we had to walk down a narrow trail closer to the river. Senior adults might face some issue there but there’s also an option of a Jet Boat that’ll drop one directly at the rafting spot. You also have the option to take a dip in the river, which was also great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phoebe_k
Nov 17, 2025
Perfect for first time rafters - Such a fantastic experience!!! A perfect river for first time rafting - all the guides were so friendly and helpful, really couldn’t recommend enough
Review provided by Viator
Kylie
Nov 15, 2025
Great rafting for first timers - A great experience for first time rafters . Guides were awesome- experienced, skilled and very funny. Gorgeous scenery and a lot of fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alyssar227
Nov 12, 2025
White water rafting - Had an amazing time, Matt was our guide (we also had the bonus of Frances) and they made the experience great. The guides took great care in making this adventure safe. Matt was funny, engaging, calm and clearly knew his job well. Would 110% recommend this experience to anyone and would do this again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
423phoebehu
Oct 19, 2025
fun times with great guides!! highly recommend - had the best white water rafting experience with Raju, Benji, Guy, Harry, Danny & co!! Such fun and experienced people. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an exciting and also beautiful experience of the river.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U2921ifdavek
Apr 24, 2025
Absolutely awesome day! - Zane was the GOAT of all guides and made the day an absolute cracker. There was something for everyone in my family from the thrill seeking kids to the nature loving wife. I would recommend this to everyone! Thanks for a terrific day Zane and the rest of the Real NZ crew.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U1000hupaigeh
Nov 29, 2025
Cancelled experience, no notification - Our experience was cancelled and Trip Advisor never let us know, I do not recommend booking through this app as cancellations happen often and if you scheduled your day around this activity, good luck finding something else to do last minute. Arrived at 1:30 for a 2:00 tour and didn’t know it was cancelled until we got here. Very disappointing. We could have stayed at the wineries but rushed across town to get here and find parking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $138
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).