Shotover River White Water Rafting by RealNZ

About this experience

Shotover River White Water Rafting Tickets The Shotover River delivers New Zealand's most thrilling white water rafting experience, combining grade 3-5 rapids with the historic gold rush scenery of Skippers Canyon. Your adventure starts with a scenic drive along the notorious Skippers Canyon road, where dramatic cliff-face views and hairpin bends set the tone for the excitement ahead. Once suited up in full safety gear at Deep Creek, you'll tackle the Shotover's legendary rapids under expert guidance. The river earned its reputation as "the richest river in the world" during the 1860s gold rush, and today its wild waters provide an adrenaline rush like no other. You'll paddle through swirling white water, navigate the hand-carved Oxenbridge Tunnel from mining days, and finish with the notorious Cascade Rapid. The entire experience lasts around 4.5 hours including transfers, with hot showers and complimentary digital photos provided afterwards. If you're seeking more Queenstown adventures, consider the Milford Sound cruise for spectacular fiord scenery. Highlights Navigate grade 3-5 rapids on the historic Shotover River Journey through the dramatic Skippers Canyon with its steep rock walls and panoramic Central Otago views Pass through the Oxenbridge Tunnel, a hand-carved passage from the gold rush era Conquer the infamous Cascade Rapid as your final challenge Receive complimentary digital photos capturing your white water adventure Enjoy hot showers and changing facilities at the rafting base Plan Your Visit to Shotover River White Water Rafting Sessions run throughout the day during operating season, with the full experience lasting approximately 4.5 hours including transport to and from Queenstown. The best time to visit depends on your comfort level with cold water, as the river temperature varies seasonally. You'll need to be at least 13 years old and weigh between 40kg and 118kg to participate. Basic swimming ability and moderate fitness are essential, as you'll be paddling through challenging rapids. All safety equipment including wetsuits, helmets and life jackets are provided. The experience departs from RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre, with coaches handling all transfers to Skippers Canyon and back. For those planning multiple Queenstown activities, the Skyline Gondola and Luge offers a completely different perspective of the region's stunning landscape.

Highlights

• Tackle grade 3-5 rapids on the Shotover, New Zealand's most thrilling river
• Scenic drive along the notorious Skippers Canyon road before launch
• Historic gold rush scenery of Skippers Canyon frames the entire journey
• Full safety gear and equipment provided at the Deep Creek put-in
• Dramatic cliff-face views and hairpin bends set the tone before the water
• Operated by RealNZ, specialists in Queenstown adventure experiences

What is included

• Full safety gear and wetsuit equipment
• Expert guide throughout the rafting experience
• Scenic drive along Skippers Canyon road

Before you go

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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.