Kawarau River White Water Rafting and Jet Boat Ride by RealNZ

About this experience

Kawarau River White Water Rafting and Jet Boat Tickets Experience two of Queenstown's most thrilling water adventures in one action-packed day. This combination tour takes you speeding down the Kawarau River at up to 95 km/h in a jet boat, followed by an exciting white water rafting expedition through grade 2-3 rapids. You'll rocket through the same dramatic landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings, navigating sharp turns and 360-degree spins before switching to paddles for 8 kilometres of white water thrills. The adventure combines the best of both worlds: high-speed jet boat excitement and hands-on rafting teamwork. Your expert guides handle the technical aspects whilst you focus on the adrenaline rush. Between rapids, you can swim in calmer sections, attempt an optional cliff jump, or simply float whilst taking in the mountain scenery. The experience includes all safety equipment, professional instruction, and complimentary digital photos to capture your adventure. Highlights High-speed jet boat ride reaching 95 km/h with dramatic 360-degree spins through Kawarau River canyons 8 kilometres of white water rafting through grade 2-3 rapids suitable for beginners and experienced rafters Navigate the 400-metre Dog Leg Rapid, New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid Scenic ride through landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings films as the Anduin River Optional cliff jumping opportunities and swimming in calmer river sections Complimentary digital photos and hot showers at the rafting base Plan Your Visit to Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boating Your adventure departs from the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre, with return transfers included to complete your day. Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and waiver completion. The full experience typically takes several hours including transport, briefings, both activities, and time to shower and review photos. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. All safety equipment including wetsuits, helmets, and life jackets are provided. Personal cameras aren't permitted during the activities for safety reasons, but professional photos are taken and emailed to you at no extra cost. This experience has specific requirements: participants must be at least 13 years old, weigh between 40-120 kg, and be confident swimmers comfortable in fast-moving water. The tour isn't suitable for pregnant guests or those with back or heart conditions. If you're seeking other Queenstown adventures, consider exploring the region's dramatic fiords and waterways or discovering more of the area's high-speed water thrills.

Highlights

• Jet boat speeds reach up to 95 km/h on the Kawarau River
• Raft 8 kilometres of grade 2 to 3 white water rapids
• 360-degree spins and sharp turns on the jet boat ride
• Filmed on Lord of the Rings locations in Queenstown
• Two water adventures combined into one full day on the river

Before you go

[1,[4,"h2",null,[5,"Your experience"]],[4,"h3",null,[5,"Jet boat speed and scenic adventure"]],[4,"p",null,[5,"Begin your journey in Queenstown—New Zealand’s famed adventure hub—where you’ll board a state-of-the-art jet boat. Within moments you’ll rocket down the Kawarau River at heart-pounding speeds up to 95 km/h. The river narrows as your driver expertly navigates sharp turns and hair-raising 360-degree spins, making the most of the region’s stunning canyons and dramatic rock formations. Gliding past the rugged landscapes, you may recognize these cinematic sights from The Lord of the Rings as the epic Anduin River, adding a touch of movie magic to your ride."]],[4,"h3",null,[5,"Transition to whitewater rafting"]],[4,"p",null,[5,"After an electrifying boat journey, it’s time to switch gears and grab a paddle. At the rafting base, you’ll meet your expert guide who’ll provide a briefing and supply essential safety gear. Slip into your wetsuit, get fitted with a helmet then take to the river with your group. Together, you’ll conquer 8 kilometres of thrilling whitewater through grade 2-3 rapids—levels suited for both first-timers and those looking for excitement without extreme difficulty. When river conditions surge high, expect a few stretches of grade 4 rapids for an extra rush."]],[4,"h3",null,[5,"The Dog Leg Rapid and more"]],[4,"p",null,[5,"Your route includes the impressive 400-metre Dog Leg Rapid, the country’s longest run commercially rafted. Between adrenaline-filled rapids, enjoy calmer sections where you can take a swim, relax and appreciate the spectacular scenery, or challenge fellow rafters to a friendly race. Feeling brave? Seize the opportunity for an optional cliff jump along the way, or simply float and take in awe-inspiring mountain views."]],[4,"h3",null,[5,"Return and relive the adventure"]],[4,"p",null,[5,"Back at the rafting base, wind down with a soothing hot shower. Review complimentary digital photos of your adventure, capturing moments of courage and excitement to share with friends and family. The day concludes with a comfortable return transfer to Queenstown, allowing you to soak in memories of the region’s unique landscapes, abundant river life and segment of adventure history—thanks to the Kawarau Bridge’s role in bungee jumping lore."]],[4,"h2",null,[5,"Book your Kawarau River White Water Rafting and Jet Boating tickets now!"]]]

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience. Within 24 hours of the start, the booking cannot be cancelled.