Rafting & Sledging Tours
Family-friendly Tours
Multi-Day Short Tours
Tour Highlights
- Raft 13 km of the Rangitikei River
- Tackle 30+ easy Grade 2 rapids
- Spend around 3.5–4 hours on the river
- Stop for an included riverside picnic lunch
- Take a waterfall side hike when conditions allow
- Travel through Rangitikei canyon scenery downstream from River Valley Lodge
- Try an inflatable kayak on easier sections when conditions allow
- Choose a gentler oared-raft option for less active group members
- No previous rafting experience required
- Suitable for families and first-time rafters
Ensuite Package
- One night in a private ensuite room
- Three-course farm-to-table dinner
- Breakfast from the lodge menu
- Riverside picnic lunch
- Full-day Awesome Scenic Rafting Adventure
- 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
- Riverside picnic lunch
- Full-day Awesome Scenic Rafting Adventure
Rafting equipment
- Wetsuit or fleece-lined paddle pants
- Helmet
- Lifejacket
- Neoprene booties
- Fleece top
- Paddle jacket
- Neoprene gloves and socks on colder days
What to Bring: swimsuit, towel and sunscreen. Phones and cameras may be taken, and River Valley will try to provide a dry bag or box, although keeping personal items completely dry cannot be guaranteed.
This is a Grade 2 scenic rafting trip, so no previous rafting experience is required. It is suitable for first-time rafters and families, and children as young as 5 years old can enjoy the Awesome Scenic Adventure. Families should provide children’s ages when booking so River Valley can confirm suitability for the conditions on the day.
A minimum group size of two adults, or one adult and two children, is required for the rafting trip to operate. Smaller groups should enquire about joining an existing departure.
The rafting can also be adapted for mixed-ability groups. Older or less active guests can request a gentler oared-raft experience, while older children, teenagers and adults may be able to try inflatable kayaks on suitable sections when river conditions allow.
The activity is weather and river-condition dependent. The waterfall side hike and inflatable kayak option are not guaranteed.
Adventure activities inherently involve risks to both individuals and property. We strive to minimize these risks as much as possible, but we cannot guarantee your safety. It's essential that you select activities suitable for your fitness level and expectations. The river grade indicates the level (1 to 6) of risk for river trips, with 6 being the highest. Making the right choice ensures 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.
