Rafting & Sledging Tours
Half-Day Tours
What are the highlights of this Grade 5 rafting trip?
- Raft 11 km of the Rangitikei River
- Tackle 10 major rapids ranging from Grade 3+ to Grade 5
- Warm up on easier Grade 2 and 3 water before entering the gorge
- Spend approximately 2–3 hours on the river
- Travel through steep-sided Rangitikei canyon scenery
- Experience the highest internationally recognised commercial white water grade
- Finish the river trip directly back at River Valley Lodge
- No previous rafting experience required
- Half-day format with morning and afternoon summer departures
- Raft a section recognised by Red Bull among its top rafting destinations worldwide
- Wetsuit
- Helmet
- Lifejacket
- Neoprene booties
- Fleece top
- Paddle jacket
- Neoprene gloves and socks on colder days
- Shuttle from River Valley Lodge to the river put-in
- Qualified river guides and safety briefing
What to bring:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
GoPros are permitted, but they are carried at your own risk. Cameras can be lost during Grade 5 rafting, so secure them carefully if you decide to take one.
The minimum age is 13 years and there is no fixed maximum weight. You must, however, fit safely into the supplied wetsuit and an appropriate lifejacket. The largest wetsuit available is size 7.
No previous rafting experience is required, but this is genuine Grade 5 white water. You should be reasonably physically fit, comfortable in the water and able to follow guide instructions quickly. Anyone with a medical or physical condition that could affect safe participation should raise it before booking.
A minimum of four paying fares is required for each departure. Solo travellers and smaller groups can often join an existing trip.
Departures are river-level dependent and will not operate outside safe limits. Same-day withdrawal terms and spectator arrangements are not specified for this activity, so confirm these before booking if they matter to your group.
Adventure activities involve risks to both people and property. We do our best to minimize these risks, but we can't guarantee your safety. It's important to choose activities suitable for your fitness level and expectations. The river's grade (1 – 5) indicates its difficulty level, with 5 being the highest. Picking the right activity ensures everyone's safety.
📌 Booking this trip means you have read and agree to the risks associated with this activity. Download the full Risk Disclosure here.
- More than 30 days before – Deposit not refunded; other payments refunded.**
- Less than 30 days – Deposit not refunded; 50% of other payments refunded.**
- Less than 14 days – No refund.
If River Valley cancels:
- You can accept the change, rebook, or get a full refund if major changes are needed (e.g., due to weather).
Note: *Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
