Rafting

Kawarau River White Water Rafting and Jet Boating

Kawarau River jet boat navigating through rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Feel the rush on a high-speed jet boat, then paddle through thrilling rapids, tackle cliff jumps, and conquer the legendary 400m Dog Leg rapid.

Highlights

Take on the Kawarau River with a thrilling whitewater rafting and jet boating adventure – perfect for adrenaline seekers and first-time rafters alike.
Hold on tight as your jet boat races down the river at 95 km/h, skimming past canyon walls and pulling off exhilarating 360-degree spins.
Paddle through 8 km of epic whitewater, tackling grade 2-3 rapids (and grade 4 in high water), with the option to leap into the action with a cliff jump.
Conquer the mighty 400m Dog Leg rapid, New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid, before floating through stunning landscapes straight from the movies.
Fun fact: Kawarau Bridge hosted the world’s first commercial bungee jump in 1988, kicking off Queenstown’s legacy as the adventure capital of the world.

Inclusions

2-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)

Exclusions

Food & beverages

Cancellation Policy

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

Your experience

From jet boat thrills to whitewater spills

Your adventure kicks off in true Queenstown style... at high speed. Step aboard a powerful jet boat and rocket down the Kawarau River at an exhilarating 95 km/h. Hold on tight as your driver pulls off sharp turns and heart-racing 360-degree spins, skimming past canyon walls so close you’ll feel the spray. Lord of the Rings fans, does something seem familiar? That's right! You're in Middle Earth. The Kawarau starred as the River Anduin in The Lord of the Rings, and its rugged beauty is straight out of a fantasy world. After a thrilling ride, arrive at the rafting station where your next challenge awaits.

Ride the rapids and take the leap

Trading speed for paddle power, you’ll hit the water with your expert rafting guide leading the charge. Navigate 8 kilometers of swirling grade 2-3 rapids, with an occasional grade 4 when the river runs high. Between waves, float through calm stretches where you can swim, soak in the scenery, or challenge the other rafts to a friendly race. The grand finale? The Dog Leg Rapid – New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid, stretching 400 meters of churning whitewater. Feeling brave? Try the optional cliff jump before heading back to the base for a well-earned hot shower before heading to Queenstown. Then check out the free digital photos of your rafting adventure. You might discover your “brave” face looks more like pure panic.

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring your swimsuit and towel.

What’s not allowed

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. Pack wisely!

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
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.

My tickets

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.