Rafting

Kawarau River White Water Rafting and Jet Boat Ride by RealNZ

Rafters in gear smiling on Shotover River, Queenstown, during a whitewater rafting adventure.

Rafting group navigating rapids on Shotover River, Queenstown.

Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with passengers enjoying the ride.

Duration

4 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Take on the Kawarau River with a mix of jet boating and whitewater rafting, ideal for both thrill-seekers and first-time rafters.

Race down the river at speeds up to 95 km/h, skimming past canyon walls and spinning through 360° turns.

Paddle through 8 km of whitewater, with grade 2–3 rapids (and grade 4 in high water), plus the chance to try a cliff jump.

Navigate the 400m Dog Leg rapid, the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand, before drifting through scenic landscapes seen in movies.

Fun fact: Kawarau Bridge is nearby, the site of the world’s first commercial bungee jump in 1988.

1-hour rafting on the Kawarau River

Professional rafting guides

25-minute jet boat ride

Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base

All rafting and safety equipment, including wetsuit and helmet

Use of hot showers

Complimentary photos (sent to your email)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.3
100 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Lina
Apr 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
Went with my big bro and his partner, and honestly, the jet boat ride was EPIC! Our driver cracked jokes the whole time (some good, some real bad lol) and got us soaked in the first 10 mins. Rafting was a bit less wild than I expected but still a blast. We all jumped in the river even tho it was FREEEZING. Felt like proper adventure vibes. The guides were super chill and kept us safe but also let us goof off. Coulda used better snacks at the end, but whatever. 5 stars from me.
Marek
Apr 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
Family adventure day! Wife and two teens, all of us first-timers for both jet boat and rafting. Super friendly crew, helped my nervous daughter calm down fast. Cliff jump was the highlight, even though my son totally chickened out! Equipment was clean, instructions clear, nobody got hurt. Break for tea at the end was nice. We left tired but grinning. Worth every cent.
Yasmin
Apr 2025
Verified Partner Review
4/5
So, I came solo bc nobody else wanted to wake up at 7am (rude), but ended up making friends on the bus. Jet boat was wild, hang onto your hat for real! Rafting was fun, tho a bit tame in some parts. Water was clear as glass. Shoutout to our guide Jono, who told us river ghost stories. Only downside: my helmet smelled weird?? Otherwise, def worth it.
Vivian
Apr 2025
Verified Partner Review
3/5
Went with friends. Jet boat was loud and a bit bumpy for me, but others loved it. Rafting part started late, so we sat around waiting like 40 mins, not ideal. Guides were funny and made sure we all felt safe, so points for that. Rapids were okay, nothing too crazy. Good pics, but expensive to buy the digital ones.
Jonas
Apr 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
Booked as a surprise for my girlfriend, and she LOVED it. We got soaked, but honestly, that’s half the fun. The staff are LEGENDS. They made us do silly chants before getting on the water. Weather was perfect, like blue skies all day. Only thing, bring your own towel, theirs are tiny. We’ll be back!

Kick off your adventure with a jet boat ride to the Kawarau River, then tackle beginner-friendly white water rafting.

Getting started

Arrive at the designated meeting point, where staff will check your booking and provide a quick safety briefing. Board the jet boat for a high-speed journey to the river launch site, setting the tone for your day on the water.

What to expect

The Kawarau River is renowned for its accessible rapids and picturesque surroundings, making it a top choice for first-time rafters and those seeking a lively introduction to white water adventures.

Features

Jet boat transfer: Begin with a fast-paced jet boat ride, offering an exciting approach to the rafting launch and a unique perspective of the river.

Beginner-friendly rapids: Navigate stretches of the Kawarau River known for their manageable yet exciting white water, ideal for newcomers.

Scenic river views: Enjoy the natural beauty of the river valley, with clear water and rugged landscapes.

What to bring

Bring your ticket or voucher for entry.

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for water activities and bring a change of clothes.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen for your comfort and protection.

Secure footwear that can get wet is recommended.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted.

Drones are not allowed on the premises.

Outside food or beverages are prohibited.

Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the experience.

Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the weight of 40kg (88.18lb), over the weight of 120kg (264.55lb) and under the age of 13 years.

Keep in mind, cameras are not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Pregnant people and guests with back issues, cardiac issues, and other serious medical conditions cannot participate in the experience.

Additional information

All participants must sign a waiver form.

Guests under 16 years old must have a guardian traveling with them, and all guests under 18 years old must have a waiver form signed by a guardian.

Guests must be water-confident, able to swim in fast-moving water, and agree to carefully follow instructions from the guides.

Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level.

The operator reserves the right to refuse participation and cancel or amend any trips due to river, road, or weather conditions or insufficient numbers in the interest of all guests’ safety.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your boat to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Boarding point

Board your boat at RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre.

Address: RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.

Get directions to the boarding point