New Zealand’s most popular rafting trip
Why not try white water rafting for the ultimate adventure in Queenstown?
Challenge Rafting operates a variety of exciting half day rafting trips and Queenstown rafting combos on the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers.
KAWARAU RIVER (GRADE 2-3)
A great introduction to white water rafting, the Kawarau River provides an exhilarating trip for first time rafters, families and school groups.
The stretch of river you raft is located approximately 25 minutes from Queenstown in the Gibbston Valley wine region. The clear blue waters of the Kawarau River turn to white as you approach the four rapids navigated down with your qualified rafting guide.
The scenery is superb and you can really soak it up between rapids as you experience calmer stretches of river. Get a unique perspective of the historic Kawarau Bungy Bridge as your raft passes under and view the famous scenery included in the movie trilogy The Lord of the Rings.
The grande finale is the unforgettable 400 metre Dog Leg Rapid to end your trip on New Zealand’s largest volume commercially rafted river.
SHOTOVER RIVER (GRADE 3-5)
The Shotover River provides the white water action for those looking for extra excitement, thrills and sometimes spills! Experience the rugged beauty and unspoiled grandeur of the breathtaking scenery as you conquer this wild and untamed river.
Beginning with a spectacular bus ride into the historical Skippers Canyon, you will learn about the gold rush that settled this region as you take the Skippers Road into your starting point at Deep Creek. After a safety briefing you board the rafts with your experienced guide to learn the ins and outs of white-water rafting.
Tackle six rapids and in-between enjoy the back country scenery of narrow rocky canyons and river stories from the guides. Then raft through the darkness of the 170 metre Oxenbridge Tunnel and shoot the Cascade Rapid to complete the challenge.
Step across this great frontier and meet the challenge of rafting the Shotover River!
For a little extra adventure add in a helicopter flight over the Shotover or Kawarau rivers and meet the rest of the rafting crew at the start of your rafting experience. The flight is a scenic and exhilarating ride over the mountains and following the rivers twists and turns before you arrive on dry land.
A spectacular start to your half day rafting adventure!
