Paddle through volcanic gorges, plunge over the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall, and ride Grade 5 rapids with certified guides.
Plunge 7 metres over Tutea Falls — the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall. Grade 5 thrills near Rotorua in just 50 minutes on the water.
Queenstown's signature adrenaline hit. Grade 3-5 rapids through a narrow, gold-mining-era canyon beneath a 100-metre-deep gorge.
Relaxed rafting for families and beginners. The Tongariro, Buller, and Rangitikei rivers offer gentle rapids with stunning scenery.
Overnight trips on the Mohaka, Rangitikei, or Landsborough rivers. Camp riverside, cook over fire, and raft through true backcountry.
14 rapids in 50 minutes including the 7m Tutea Falls. Short, intense, and unforgettable — NZ's most popular raft run.
170m deep canyon with Grade 3-5 rapids. A 4WD shuttle through Skippers Canyon is half the adventure.
Grade 3 rapids beneath volcanic peaks. Also famous for trout fishing — you might spot anglers between rapids.
Grade 5 rapids through a gorge flanked by alpine tussock. Includes a natural hot pool stop in the river.
Grade 3-4 rapids through native beech forest. The Earthquake Section delivers NZ's longest commercially rafted rapid.
Remote backcountry river with Grade 3-4 rapids, gorge swimming, and overnight camping on a gravel beach.
Grade 3 and most Grade 5 trips require zero prior rafting. Guides run a safety briefing and do the steering — you just paddle.
You will get soaked. Leave dry clothes and a towel in the car. Operators provide wetsuits and splash jackets.
Kaituna and Shotover are 13+. Family-friendly Grade 2 trips often take kids as young as 5.
October-November brings snowmelt-fed rivers at peak flow with fewer crowds than the Dec-Feb summer rush.
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