Top Queenstown White Water Rafting

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.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

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.

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

Soar through the forest on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline, 1,500 feet (450 meters) above Queenstown. Choose from three different courses, one with a thrilling 68-foot (21-meter) drop. Or, tone down the adrenaline a notch on a longer course, perfect for families with kids. Expert guides supervise your launch so all you have to do is take in the panoramic mountain and lake views.

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Whakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural farm of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar, sometimes dangerous country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on a half-day trip. Spend time exploring Glenorchy’s waterfront, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

Explore Lake Wakatipu by boat on a 1.5-hour cruise from Queenstown. As you travel to the end of the lake, you can see stunning lakeside homes, a variety of bird life, Kawarau Dam, and the magnificent scenery that surrounds Queenstown. Get unobstructed views from the sundeck or stay warm in the heated cabin, and have the option to purchase drinks from the onboard bar.

A Segway tour of Queenstown covers a lot of ground, providing you with an overview of the city even if you're short on time. Choose from a 1- or 2-hour tour depending on your needs, and pass by sights such as Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown Gardens. Stop at several scenic lookouts along the way. You won't get stuck in traffic or tired from walking.

Experience Milford Sound’s towering peaks and gushing waterfalls on a small-group tour from Queenstown. After a handy hotel pickup, travel through Fiordland National Park without the hassle of self-driving through the distractingly beautiful landscape. Stop to take pictures or go for optional walks en route. Relax on a 1-hour 45-minute cruise on Milford Sound with provided hot drinks, and refuel with the included picnic lunch.

Take a break and escape into nature on this tour of Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Relax as you visit one of New Zealand’s notable Fjords, taking in the waterfalls at Mirror Lake and the fresh glacier water at Monkey Walk. Then, take to the water itself with a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the South Island’s landscape.

This full-day adventure includes a “funyak” (inflatable canoe) and jet boat ride on the Dart River, within Mt. Aspiring National Park. Take the complimentary return coach from Queenstown or make your own way to Glenorchy. From there, speed upriver on a thrilling jet boat before climbing aboard an easy-to-handle funyak. No previous experience is necessary and you paddle in a flotilla behind your guide.