Rafting

Shotover River White Water Rafting by RealNZ

Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, navigating rocky canyon.

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

Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, with lush green cliffs in the background.

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 available

Pickup available

Raft the fast-moving waters of the Shotover River with an expert guide, tackling intense grade 3-5 rapids on this adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Travel by coach through the narrow, 22 km-long Skippers Canyon, where sheer cliffs drop to the winding Shotover River far below.

Ride through the 170m-long Oxenbridge Tunnel, carved during the gold rush, before bursting out into the churning whitewater of Cascade Rapid.

Paddle through surging rapids, surrounded by rugged schist cliffs and panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.

Fun fact: During the gold rush, the Shotover River was one of the world’s richest gold-bearing rivers, earning it the nickname "the richest river in the world!"

2-hour rafting on the Shotover River

Professional rafting guides

Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base

All rafting and safety equipment including wetsuit and helmet

Use of hot showers

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

114 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
Lucie
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Was incredible experience. The rapids were fabulous not as rough as anticipated so that was a good thing. We had a great group and a fab guide from Anglesey so we were at home. We would definitely recommend you guys. The whole process was so slick and well organised well done. Lucie and Paul UK
Alexandra
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Amazing experience - you will not regret it!
Anna
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Zoe
Apr 2025
Verified Partner Review
Still buzzing from yesterday! Me and my little bro took on the whitewater rapids and omg, my arms are STILL sore in a good way. Our guide (shoutout to Sam!) was hilarious and didn’t even judge me for screaming when we hit the first drop. Water’s freezing but honestly didn’t care, wetsuit did the job. The only thing I’d change? Wish the ride lasted longer. The drive up is its own adventure (and a bit scary, lol). If ur nervous, don’t be. Sam had us laughing the whole time. Defo bringing my cousin next time.
Andre
Apr 2025
Verified Partner Review
First ever rafting trip and I went solo, but ended up chatting with people from all over. The staff here really make you feel welcome. Our guide, Liz, gave us loads of cool facts about the river and actually convinced me to jump into the swimming pool section (COLD but worth it). The rapids are no joke, especially the last stretch – pure adrenaline. If you’re a bit anxious about falling out, don’t be, they’ve got rescue guys all over. Would do again in a heartbeat.

Tackle six grade 3–5 rapids on the Shotover River with expert guides in this action-packed 4.5-hour whitewater rafting adventure.

Getting started

Begin your journey in Queenstown, where a shuttle takes you to the Rafting Base for a safety briefing and gear fitting. After meeting your guides, travel by coach through Skippers Canyon to the river’s launch point.

What to expect

The Shotover River is renowned for its challenging rapids and dramatic canyon scenery, making it a premier destination for whitewater rafting in New Zealand.

Features

Grade 3–5 rapids: Navigate six exhilarating whitewater sections, offering a thrilling test for water-competent swimmers.

Skippers Canyon: Enjoy a scenic coach ride along cliffside roads, showcasing the region’s rugged landscape.

Oxenbridge tunnel: Raft through a 170m tunnel, a unique highlight of the river route.

Small group rafts: Experience the adventure with a maximum of 8 people per raft for a more personal outing.

Comfort and safety: All wetsuits, jackets, helmets, and safety equipment are provided, with hot showers available at the end.

What to bring

Bring a swimsuit and towel for use after your rafting experience.

Bring a valid photo ID if you are under 18, as proof of age may be required.

Bring only essential personal items; lockers are available at the Rafting Base for storage.

What’s not allowed

Cameras, GoPros, and other recording devices are not allowed on the raft for health and safety reasons.

Personal clothing for rafting is not permitted; all necessary gear will be provided.

Spectators are not allowed on the river due to the remote location and terrain.

Participation is not permitted for non-swimmers, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions (except managed blood pressure with medication).

Participation is not permitted for those unable to understand or follow safety briefings in English, unless accompanied by a translator.

Valuables are advised not to be brought to the experience.

Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the weight of 40kg (88.18lb), over the weight of 118kg (260.15lb) and under the age of 13 years.

Accessibility

The experience is not fully wheelchair accessible.

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

Additional information

Participants must be water-competent (able to swim 25m unaided) and possess moderate fitness.

All participants must sign a waiver form.

Listen carefully to guides’ instructions at all times.

All trips are subject to weather, river level, and water temperature; the operator may cancel or substitute routes for safety reasons.

Portages may be required based on changes to water level and flow.

Glasses and sunglasses are allowed with a sports strap.

Hot showers, toilets, and lockers are available at the Rafting Base.

Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk; safety cannot be absolutely guaranteed.

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 tour to avoid any delays.

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

Boarding point

Board your raft at RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre.

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

Get directions to the boarding point