Rafting & Sledging Tours
Family-friendly Tours
Day Tours
What are the highlights of this scenic rafting adventure?
- Raft 13 km of the Rangitikei River
- Tackle more than 30 Grade 2 rapids
- Travel through native bush and steep canyon scenery
- Stop for a riverside picnic lunch
- Take a side hike to a waterfall when conditions allow
- Enjoy a full-day river journey rather than a short rafting run
- Suitable for families and first-time rafters
- No previous rafting experience required
- Paddle one of River Valley’s easier scenic river sections
- Experience both active rapids and calmer stretches of water
- Wetsuit
- Helmet
- Lifejacket
- Neoprene booties
- Fleece top
- Paddle jacket
- On cooler days, neoprene gloves and neoprene socks
- A riverside picnic lunch
What to bring:
- Swimming costume
- Towel
- Sunscreen
You can also bring a phone or camera. A waterproof bag or box may be available, but keeping personal electronics completely dry cannot be guaranteed.
No previous rafting experience is required. The trip takes place on a Grade 2 section of the Rangitikei River and is designed as an accessible introduction to white water rafting. It is suitable for first-time rafters and families who want an active day without the intensity of higher-grade rapids.
Children can take part from 5 years old, subject to river conditions and equipment fit. A minimum of two paying adults, or one adult and two children, is required for the trip to operate.
Average fitness is enough for this Grade 2 trip, but participants should be comfortable around water and able to follow guide instructions. Departures depend on safe river levels, and the trip will not operate if conditions exceed safe limits.
Adventure activities come with inherent risks to both individuals and property. We try our best to reduce these risks, but we can't promise your safety. It's important that you pick activities that suit your fitness level and expectations. The higher the river grade (1 – 5) for river trips, with 5 being the highest, the more risk is involved. Choosing wisely helps keep you and others safe.
Please be aware: Departures depend on river levels; we won't proceed if the river exceeds our safe operating limits. This trip might be cancelled if we don't meet the minimum requirement of 2 paying adults (or 1 adult, 2 children).
📌 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.
