Rafting & Sledging Tours
Multi-Day Short Tours
Tour Highlights
- Raft 11 km of the Rangitikei River
- Tackle 10 major rapids, ranging from Grade 3+ to Grade 5
- Build up through easier Grade 2 and 3 water before entering the Grade 5 gorge
- Spend approximately 2–3 hours on the river
- Finish the rafting trip directly back at River Valley Lodge
- Experience a section of river recognised by Red Bull as one of its top rafting trips
- Stay beside the Rangitikei River near Taihape
- Choose between summer morning or afternoon rafting departures
- No previous rafting experience required
Ensuite Package
- One night in a private ensuite room
- Three-course farm-to-table dinner
- Breakfast from the lodge menu
- Lunch
- Grade 5 white water rafting
- 45-minute spa or sauna session
Bunk Package
- One night in a bunk room
- Two-course farm-to-table dinner
- Breakfast from the lodge menu
- Lunch
- Grade 5 white water rafting
The minimum age is 13 years. Every participant must fit safely into the supplied rafting equipment, including an appropriate lifejacket and one of River Valley’s wetsuits -- the largest wetsuit is size 7.
No previous rafting experience is required, but this is genuine Grade 5 white water. Participants 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 discuss it with us before booking booking.
A minimum of four paying fares is required for a rafting departure to operate. Solo travellers and smaller groups can often join an existing departure.
Adventure activities, by their very nature, entail levels of risk to both person and property. We endeavour to minimise these as much as possible but cannot guarantee your safety. We do require that you choose the activity that is most appropriate for your fitness level and expectations. The higher the river grade (1 – 5) for river trips, with 5 being the highest, the greater the risk. Choosing correctly helps ensure both the safety of yourself and others.
📌 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.
