Top New Zealand White Water Rafting

Go white-water rafting on the Kaituna River for a thrilling outing from Rotorua. Your guide leads you on an action-packed ride down 11 rapids and Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at 23 feet (7 meters). This rafting trip takes place in a gorgeous jungle canyon and is suitable for active people, with no prior rafting experience required.

Queenstown’s Shotover River is best experienced right on the water—and this private white-water rafting experience takes you there. After traveling on one of New Zealand’s most winding (but beautiful) roads, have a full safety briefing, then don your gear and get in the raft. Paddle through grade 3-5 rapids surrounded by amazing mountain scenery.

Challenge yourself against the choppy Waiau River on this family-friendly 2-hour rafting adventure in Hanmer Springs. Choose a morning or afternoon tour, then pull on your wetsuit, grab your paddle and head out onto the swirling Waiau River with a guide. During your tour, navigate the bumpy grade II rapids and enjoy breathtaking views over the soaring peaks and marble land formations. Watch the waters for salmon and trout as a guide sheds light on the region’s rich folklore, and perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim along the way.

Cruise ship passengers who want an active adventure while on land will love this white-water rafting expedition from Napier. The rapids are an easy class II, so even first-timers and older kids can join in. Admire the views of the native bush, listen to birdsong, and even go for a swim in the gentle river if you like. Photos of your trip will be provided after.

Go beyond admiring the Kawarau River from afar and get on the water with a whitewater rafting experience through its rapids. Enjoy a hassle-free day with coach transfers, a wetsuit, and all equipment included. Meet at the RealNZ Visitor Centre in Queenstown before your trip, which features an optional cliff jump for extra thrill. Note that participants must weigh between 40 and 120 kg to join.

Challenge yourself against the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall and enjoy outdoor adventure on this Kaituna River white-water rafting trip from Rotorua. Hop into your raft in the Kahikitea Forest and take to the waves with a guide. Navigate steep canyons through native forest and test your nerve over 14 challenging rapids. Splash, paddle, and roll through New Zealand’s spectacular scenery with all safety equipment and hotel transfers included.

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous 360 degree spins and speed. Discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness as we race you down the river to your next mode of transport. Then jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise. Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies (optional). Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.

Shoot the rapids on the Shotover River on this half-day tour from Queenstown, a great choice for thrill seekers. Under guide supervision, you'll brave six wild rapids including Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball, raft through the Oxenbridge Tunnel, and drop into Cascade Rapid. Instruction and all necessary equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, booties, helmet) are included. This trip requires confident swimming, moderate fitness, and participants must weigh between 40 and 120 kg due to safety restrictions.

The Tarawera River is one of New Zealand’s most unique and accessible rafting destinations. With crystal-clear water, and dramatic scenery, it’s perfect for both first-time rafters and seasoned adrenaline seekers. The river winds through native bush, with cascading rapids. What to Expect with Rafting Adventure, you’re not just getting a rafting trip — you’re joining a team of passionate local guides who bring safety, fun, and deep knowledge of the area to every journey. The Tarawera trip includes: Grade 2–3 rapids: A perfect blend of excitement and accessibility. Great for families, groups, and individuals. Cultural insights: Your guides share stories of the river’s Māori heritage and local legends, adding depth to the natural beauty. All gear provided: High-quality wetsuits, helmets, and life jackets are included. Safe, Sustainable, and Unforgettable Rafting Adventure prides itself on being an eco-conscious operator. Trips are designed to leave minimal impact on the environment.

If you love surfing, white-water kayaking, or rafting, you’ll love river surfing at the Kawarau Gorge. On this half-day excursion you’ll learn all you need to know about this fun sport before diving into the river with a bodyboard. Learn to surf, barrel roll, and fly underwater on grade 3 rapids. This is an ideal activity for adventure-seeking travelers.

Take a scenic excursion through the New Zealand wilderness on this white-water sledging adventure from Rotorua. Listen as a guide explains the challenges ahead, don your helmet and life vest, and take to the Okere River on your floating sledge. Twist and turn through swirling river rapids, float along relaxing flats, and admire views over the mighty Kahikatea Forest. See parts of the landscape you couldn’t reach any other way.

Take on the mighty Wairoa River in an adrenaline pumping rafting expedition you'll never forget! The Grade 5 Wairoa River near Tauranga is renowned for having some of the best white water action in New Zealand. Kaituna Cascades run the whole section of the river including the bottom three rapids and the lower waterfall! Hold on for dear life as you tackle 'Mothers Nightmare' which has a technical grade 4+ rock garden ending in a sweet 2 meter waterfall. Experience the thrill of 'The Rollercoaster' - a long bouncing staircase of awesome whitewater that will get a giggle out of the hardest of souls! Feel the rush of 'The Waterfall' which has an awesome 3 meter drop into a churning pool of white water and then kick back and enjoy the next 4km's of fun grade 3/4 rapids and waterfalls all the way through the Wairoa Rivers boulder-strewn rock canyon - ending with a sweet 5 meter cliff jump for those that want to send it. Get amongst the action !

Adventurous travelers will love the chance to white-water raft down a stretch of the Rangitikei River with several major and minor rapids that offer incredible river views that can’t be accessed any other way. Be prepared to paddle hard and to work as part of a team to navigate your way through grade 5 rapids, with the help of a knowledgeable guide.

Channel your inner Hobbit and enjoy outdoor adventure in the heart of New Zealand on this Hobbit barrel run rafting tour on the Pelorus River. Pull on your wetsuit and hop aboard your raft, then drift onto the Pelorus River — made famous in the 2013 movie "The Desolation of Smaug." Stop off at filming locations used in the making of the movie to hear behind-the-scenes stories.

White-water rafting is a thrilling adventure activity but roaring rapids can be scary. Enjoy a scenic rafting tour on Grade 2 rapids on the Rangitaiki River during a laid-back tour from Rotorua. Ride past tumbling waterfalls, sheer rock cliffs, and forest-clad river gorges. The rolling rapids make this an ideal trip for families and those looking for a more relaxed experience. Includes lunch, a hot shower, and hotel transfers.

Enjoy a wet-and-wild adventure in Skippers Canyon on this family-friendly rafting adventure from Queenstown. Take a scenic drive into Skippers Canyon and learn about the region’s rich gold-mining heritage. On arrival at the base, strap into your safety kit and paddle onto the Shotover River’s class I and II rapids. Paddle and splash as you enjoy the views over the mountain landscape, led safely by a guide.

• The 'Kiwi' invented Riverbug enables a safe and fun way for first-timers to enjoy whitewater in their own craft. Their small size and unique paddling system make riverbugs extremely manoeuvrable and easy to use • Feedback from our guests tells us they loved the freedom and individuality of riverbugging. Some who had also tried rafting preferred their riverbug experience for these reasons • Our group size is small compared to many other water based activities, enabling us to provide friendly personal service • The Action Bug Tour is located 'off-the-beaten-track' and we are usually the only party on the river • We are riverbug pioneers and experts with an exceptional safety record. Our highly trained guides will help you have a great time and look after you on the river • Our equipment is top quality and rated to keep you warm and safe. We pride ourselves on providing the comfort and fit of Women's, Mens, and Youth wet