New Zealand White Water Rafting & Sledging Tours

New Zealand offers a unique and compelling proposition for anyone seeking a rafting experience, be it seasoned adventurers or those looking for a leisurely float. Here's why you should consider choosing New Zealand for your next rafting adventure:

Varied Waterways: From peaceful, meandering rivers to high-octane, frothing rapids, New Zealand’s waterways offer a diverse range of rafting experiences. No matter what your skill level or adrenaline preference, you'll find a river that's perfect for you.

Stunning Scenery: Rafting in New Zealand isn't just an adventure activity; it's a way to immerse yourself in some of the world's most stunning scenery. As you navigate the rivers, you'll be surrounded by lush forests, soaring mountain ranges, and often untouched landscapes, offering a feast for the eyes at every turn.

Experienced Guides: New Zealand has a well-established outdoor adventure industry with highly experienced and certified guides. They're not only experts at navigating the rivers, but they also possess deep knowledge of local ecosystems, history, and Māori culture, making your rafting tour an educational experience too.

Eco-conscious Tourism: New Zealand takes pride in its pristine natural beauty and works hard to preserve it. When you choose rafting tours in New Zealand, you’re supporting operators who follow sustainable practices and respect the native flora and fauna.

Year-Round Adventure: Thanks to New Zealand's temperate climate, rafting tours operate all year round. Whether you want to enjoy the warmth of summer on the water or experience the beauty of the rivers against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains in winter, New Zealand offers an unforgettable rafting experience.

World-Class Safety Standards: Safety is a top priority for New Zealand's adventure tourism industry. You can have peace of mind knowing that you're in safe hands, with top-of-the-line equipment, comprehensive safety briefings, and guides trained in first aid and rescue procedures.

Choosing New Zealand for your rafting adventure means choosing a combination of adrenaline, scenic beauty, environmental stewardship, and safety, ensuring an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing for your next adventure.

In New Zealand, we offer a diverse range of rafting tours to suit all tastes and skill levels. From beginner-friendly trips to adrenaline-charged challenges, there's a rafting tour for everyone.

Family-Friendly Rafting Tours: Ideal for families and beginners, these tours take place on calmer sections of rivers. They offer a blend of gentle rapids, smooth paddling, and opportunities for swimming and wildlife spotting. Safety is our priority, and children's life jackets and equipment are provided.

Scenic Rafting Tours: Perfect for nature lovers, these tours allow you to explore some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes from the river. Enjoy the tranquillity of the waterways while taking in the panoramic views of verdant forests, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife.

Whitewater Rafting Tours: For thrill-seekers, these tours offer a wild ride on some of the world's most exciting rapids. With experienced guides leading the way, navigate tumultuous waters for an adrenaline rush like no other. Prior rafting experience may be required for some of these tours.

Multi-Day Rafting Tours: Immerse yourself fully in the New Zealand wilderness with these multi-day excursions. These tours often include camping along the riverbanks under the stars, combined with activities such as hiking, fishing, and Maori cultural experiences.

Eco-Tours: Ideal for environmentally conscious travellers, these tours focus on the preservation of New Zealand's unique ecosystems. Guides share their knowledge about local flora and fauna, and the trips often include conservation activities such as clean-up initiatives or native tree planting.

Rafting and Adventure Combo Tours: For the ultimate thrill, combine your rafting experience with other adventure activities like bungy jumping, zip-lining, or skydiving. Experience the best of New Zealand's adventure offerings in one action-packed day.

Regardless of the tour type you choose, you can expect professional guides, top-of-the-line equipment, and an unforgettable experience exploring New Zealand's incredible waterways.

Ensuring the safety of our rafters is our top priority. As such, they adhere to strict safety protocols and provide necessary equipment to help you have a safe and enjoyable rafting experience. Here are our key safety guidelines and the equipment they provide:

Safety Guidelines

Listen to Your Guide: All instructions provided by your guide are essential for your safety. They will give a safety briefing before the tour starts, explaining how to navigate the river, what to do in case of a capsize, and other important information.

Know Your Limits: If you have medical conditions or physical limitations that might affect your ability to safely participate, please inform your guide beforehand. They can suggest appropriate tour options for you.

Stay Hydrated and Protected: Sunburn and dehydration can be risks, particularly in the summer months. Bring a water bottle and use waterproof sunscreen.

No Alcohol or Drugs: Intoxication is a significant safety risk for rafting. We insist that participants refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs before the rafting tour.

Equipment Provided

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): We provide all rafters with personal flotation devices. These must be always worn during the rafting tour.

Helmets: Helmets are compulsory for all rafters, providing protection from any potential bumps or knocks.

Paddles: Each rafter will be given a paddle. Our guides will provide instructions on how to use them properly.

Wetsuits and Booties: For colder months or cooler weather, we provide wetsuits and booties to keep you warm.

Safety Kayaks or Rafts: For larger whitewater trips, a safety kayak or raft accompanies the group to provide swift assistance if someone falls out of the raft.

First Aid Kits: All our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits and are trained in first aid procedures.

Remember, rafting is a thrilling activity, but it does come with inherent risks. Adhering to safety guidelines and using the provided equipment correctly significantly reduces these risks, ensuring you have a fun and safe rafting experience.

Preparation and What to Bring

Proper preparation is key to having a comfortable and enjoyable rafting experience. Here are some important tips and a list of essential items to bring along for your rafting tour:

Clothing: Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Here's what you should consider:

Swimsuit: Wear a swimsuit as your base layer. It allows for easy movement and dries quickly.

Synthetic or Wool Layers: Depending on the weather, wear synthetic or wool layers for insulation. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture.

Waterproof Jacket: Bring a waterproof jacket to protect against splashes and rain.

Sun Protection: Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun's rays.

Footwear: Wear sturdy footwear that can get wet and provide good grip. Here are some options:

Water shoes or Sandals: Closed-toe water shoes or sandals with straps are ideal. They provide traction, protect your feet, and can get wet without causing discomfort.

Neoprene Booties: If cooler weather or cold water is expected, neoprene booties can provide additional insulation and protection.

Personal Items

Towel: Bring a towel to dry off after the rafting tour.

Change of Clothes: Pack a complete change of clothes for after the tour, including undergarments.

Waterproof Bag: Bring a waterproof bag or dry bag to keep your personal belongings, such as a phone, wallet, and camera, safe and dry during the tour.

Snacks and Water: Carry some snacks and a water bottle to stay hydrated and energized during breaks.

Extras

Medications: If you have any specific medications, bring them along and inform your guide about them.

Camera or GoPro: If you want to capture the memories, bring a waterproof camera or GoPro with appropriate mounts.

It's important to check with your rafting tour operator for any specific gear or clothing recommendations based on the tour's duration, location, and season.

Remember, while we provide some equipment, it's always a good idea to be prepared and bring the necessary items to ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the rafting tour.

New Zealand's diverse climate allows for year-round rafting opportunities, but the experience can vary significantly depending on the season. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year:

Summer (December to February): Summer is the peak season for rafting in New Zealand. The weather is warm, the water levels are generally stable, and all rivers are open for rafting. It's a great time for family-friendly rafting and multi-day tours.

Autumn (March to May): As the summer crowds dwindle, autumn provides a more peaceful rafting experience. The temperatures are still pleasant, and the changing foliage offers beautiful scenic views. Water levels can be variable depending on rainfall, which may affect the intensity of some rapids.

Winter (June to August): While the weather is colder, winter rafting can still be an exhilarating experience, especially on the North Island where winters are milder. Some rivers may have higher water levels due to winter rains, increasing the intensity of the rapids. Thermal gear is provided by most tour operators to keep you warm.

Spring (September to November): Spring is an exciting time for experienced rafters. The melting snow from the mountains can raise water levels and create more challenging rapids. It's also a beautiful season to enjoy the blooming flora and the return of many bird species.

Remember that weather can be changeable, and water levels can fluctuate even within seasons. Always check with the rafting tour operator for the most current conditions and possible restrictions. Despite the seasonal changes, the beauty and thrill of New Zealand's rivers persist all year round, offering an unforgettable rafting adventure whenever you choose to visit.