The 7 Rafting Trips in Queenstown That Earn Their Price

1.Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · from $185Our pick

Family rafting on the Shotover River near Queenstown, with Skippers Canyon gold-mining stories, snacks, and kid-friendly rapids for age 3+.

“A great adventurous dirt road trip to our spot where we launched from. The river was lower then expected but offered many opportunities to swim and jump and to sometimes just float slowly downstream with the raft. Amazing and great fun especially for the kids. My 11 year old son gave this trip 6 out of 5😁”

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2.Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 309 reviews · from $154Best value

Private Shotover River white-water rafting from Queenstown with return transport, full gear, hot showers, and photos included.

“Pro experience start to finish. Get you on and get it going. Driver had us smiling the whole time. Really a fun experience.”

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3.Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 158 reviews · from $197

Combine Kawarau River rafting and a Queenstown jet boat, with wetsuits, hot showers, and up to grade 3 rapids for about 4.5 hours.

“Went with some friends on Easter break and it was a great time! Only downside was one of our friends’ boyfriend was over the weight limit when we checked in at the store for our shuttle, however there were people who met us on site who looked likely to have been over the limit as well which was upsetting. However, Jess was a lot of fun and the pictures Will took turned out great! The wetsuits kept us surprisingly warm and overall it was good.”

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4.Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 4h 30m · from $190

Queenstown Kawarau River rafting plus a high-speed jet boat with 360 spins, swimming, and optional cliff jumps for first-timers.

“You only get half a jet boat ride if you link it with the rafting. Also, tell people of the option to drive direct to the rafting base rather than catching the shuttle.”

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5.Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 72 reviews · 4 hours · from $178

Whitewater rafting on Queenstown’s Shotover River: 6 grade 4-5 rapids, the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel, and a safe swim. 4 hours.

“Fabulous day! Water was high and so the river was great. However, I need to also shout out to the great staff and organization. Everything was very smooth, organized and professional. I've rafted in Canada and Argentina and this was the best!”

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6.White Water Surfing Along the Kawarau River

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 30 reviews · 4h 30m · from $164

Queenstown Kawarau riverboarding: up to 12km bodyboard surf through grade 2-3 rapids, 5mm wetsuit, small groups, transport included.

“The crew were epic!! Did this 17 years ago when I was 21 on a contiki had a ball then and had a ball today!! Can’t wait for my own kids to be at least 8 years old and experience this with them!! Cheers guys Swifty 🤘”

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7.Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 5 hours · from $178

Go rafting on the Shotover River, then explore Skippers Canyon with gold rush stories, scenic drives, and all rafting gear included. 5 hours.

“Informative and our guides made it fun and entertaining!”

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