Rafting & Sledging Tours
Family-friendly Tours
Half-Day Tours
Scenic Access and Seasonal Adventure
Getting to the river is an adventure in itself, with transport into the remote Skippers Canyon by road or helicopter, depending on conditions. The journey offers panoramic views before you even hit the water, adding an extra layer of thrill to the overall experience. This rugged and remote setting makes the Shotover River one of New Zealand’s top rafting destinations.
Operating between November and April, this seasonal grade 3-5 rafting tour is perfect for travellers looking to combine natural landscapes with heart-pounding action. Whether you're a rafting rookie or a white-water enthusiast, it’s a must-do in Queenstown’s adventure capital. Just bring your sense of adventure and be ready to get wet.
- Full wetsuit clothing and rafting equipment
- Whitewater rafting down the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers
- Safety briefing
- Hot shower
- Minimum Age: 13 years
- Travelers who have had Heart Surgery, Coronary Disease, Cardiac Arrest, or Heart-Related Medication excluding blood pressure medication, are not able to participate.
- There is a minimum weight of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg.
- You are required to have competent swimming ability, be able to swim at least 25 meters unassisted and have moderate fitness.
- Guardian conditions apply for 18 years and younger.
- You cannot participate if you are pregnant.
- You must speak or understand English
All activity inherently involves risks and potential hazards, and we cannot anticipate or eliminate all risks. However, together we can manage and mitigate risk.
Often, we are operating in unmodified and uncontrolled terrain, and a balanced, conservative approach is taken to accommodate changing conditions. Our risk management includes monitoring natural hazards, including potential atmospheric, land, or water-related occurrences such as:
- Landslides
- Earthquakes
- Tsunami
- Volcanic activity
- Storms
- Flooding
- Avalanche
- Rock or ice fall
We provide information to participants before and during the activity to ensure their participation suits their ability and objectives and is as safe as practicable, with any potential changes identified prior to or during the trip.
It is important that clients:
- Acknowledge there are risks
- Understand safety information and briefings before and during their activity
- Follow the instructions set out by our experienced and trained teams
Prevention of accidents and incidents is key in all our operations, and this is achieved when we all approach activities with care, control, and responsibility.
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
- Within 24 hours: No refund
- No Shows: No refund
**Refunds exclude credit card or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
