Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

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Highlights

Convenient transport with coach from Queenstown to the rafting base included
Coach travel from the rafting base, through the iconic Skippers Canyon, and to the take-off point
Tackle thrilling, grades 3-5 whitewater rapids on the iconic Shotover River
Raft through the darkness of the historic, 550-foot Oxenbridge Tunnel
Extensive safeting briefing, including full wetsuit, rafting clothing and all safety equipment

Summary

Raft the famous Shotover River on thrilling, grade 3 to 5 whitewater rapids on a half-day trip from Queenstown. Experience Skippers Canyon's daunting cliff edges and gold-mining history by coach.

Tour info

Duration

4 hours 30 minutes

Dropoff location

37 Camp Street, Queenstown, New Zealand

Why take this tour?

Start the tour with a fun drive to the rafting take-off point via Skippers Canyon. The drive is an experience in itself; the narrow dirt road hugs the canyon's sheer cliffs and offers spectacular views over the river you'll soon be soaring down. At the rafting base, get fitted in all your gear and listen to a full safety briefing. The rapids can change on a daily basis but rest assured our guides are expertly trained and have a keen sense of adventure. They will guide you through canyons and help you navigate rapids. Begin your whitewater rafting adventure from Deep Creek. Cruise over peaceful waters before heading towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon. Feel the adrenaline pumping as you paddle through the rapids and into the darkness of the historic, 550-foot Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting over Cascade Rapid to complete your adventure. Enjoy a hot shower at Rafting Base before returning to Queenstown.

What’s included?

• Round-trip transfers between Queenstown and the rafting base
• Coach transfers
• Experienced rafting guides
• Extensive safety briefing
• All rafting and safety equipment
• Access to hot showers
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks

Things to know

Before you book

• All participants must sign a waiver form.
• Rafters must be water-confident, able to swim in fast-moving water, and agree to carefully follow guides' instructions.
• This activity is not suitable for those under 13 years of age, under 88 pounds, or over 260 pounds, nor for those who have a heart condition or are taking heart medication, nor for pregnant women.
• Rafters under 16 years must be accompanied by a guardian and rafters under 18 years must have a waiver form signed by a guardian.
• Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants' safety.
• The local partner reserves the right to refuse participation and cancel or amend any trips due to insufficient numbers or river, road, or weather conditions in the interest of all rafters’ safety.

Before you go

• Call to re-confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure to ensure there are no changes with your tour.
• You will need a swimsuit and a towel. There are showers available after the trip. Anything valuable should be left behind at your accommodation or in the secure lockers at the shop in town.
• You will need to sign a waiver form prior to participation.
• Rafters under 16 years must be accompanied by a guardian and rafters under 18 years must have a waiver form signed by a guardian.
• The local partner reserves the right to refuse participation and cancel or amend any trips due to insufficient numbers or river, road, or weather conditions in the interest of all rafters’ safety.

Cancellation Policy

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Operator Website

Operated by:

About operator:

Our family business was founded in Fiordland in the 1950’s by tourism and conservation pioneers Les and Olive Hutchins.
Sixty years later, we offer tourism experiences from Stewart Island to Queenstown; including world renowned cruises through Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and heritage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
For us, the aim is still quite simple – to share the natural heritage and astounding beauty of the region with visitors – just as our founders intended.