Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting
4.8
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting
By RealNZ
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 13-99
Duration: 4h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Return transport: Shuttle bus from our Queenstown store to the Rafting Base and back
- All necessary gear provided: Full wetsuit, rafting clothing and safety equipment
- Safety briefing: comprehensive instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
- Scenic 4WD Transfer: Travel along the iconic Skippers Canyon Road to your starting point
- Whitewater rapid adventure: Navigate the thrilling rapids of the Shotover River
- Post-rafting comfort: Hot showers at Rafting Base
- Photos included: complimentary digital photos sent directly to you after your experience
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Start:
- RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre, RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, CBD, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandCheck-in is required at least 20 minute prior to your departure time. Please verify your email address when checking in, so we can send your complimentary digital photos to post experience!.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3342P27- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Must be able to swim
- Rafting while pregnant is prohibited
- Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited
- Minimum weight 40kg
- Maximum weight 120kg
- Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
- All travelers between the age of 16 and 17 years require a waiver to be signed by a guardian if they are unaccompanied
- You must bring a swimsuit and towel
- Rapids vary with water levels. Shotover route usually includes class 3-5 rapids, depending on conditions
- Digital photos included to remember your adventure!
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3342P27
From
$299.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- GoPlaces038833100230 contributionsRafting in QueenstownGreat afternoon of rafting in Queenstown. Started with the jet boat which was fun. Guides were fantastic, with plenty of humour mixed with their expertise.Written 19 March 2025
- dawnandkarl20150 contributionsBrilliant afternoon with RealNz Jet Boat & White water raftingAbsolutely brilliant afternoon! 30 min jet boat ride was exhilarating, 360 degree turns and twists and turns made it so much fun! Then onto the rapids, our guide was brilliant, had as much fun as his team (we were all ladies of a certain age and adrenaline junkies) we swam in the beautiful river, went through some fun rapids and got purposely flipped. To top it off we jumped from a 6m cliff. Would recommend this to everyone. The health and safety spot on and the processes for kit on and removal like clockwork.Written 12 March 2025
- L710LOangelab0 contributionsExciting and so much funThis was a fantastic rafting trip. The rapids were alot of fun, of course. The last one (dog bend, I think) was particularly exciting. And there was more we didn't even expect - jumping into the river from the cliff (low and high depending on your level of fear) and swimming in the river. It was awsome and the river was beautiful. I would definitely do this again and highly recommend it.Written 9 March 2025
- emiles5550 contributionsShotover boat/raftingMe and my partner had an absolutely amazing time on the shotover boat/rafting day. The team were all great fun and friendly and we had the amazing Emma as our guide on our rafting boat and she was extremely informative and made it great fun for all of us on our boat. 100% would do again and recommend to anyone thinking of doing it!Written 6 March 2025
- katemQ5246PX0 contributionsBrilliant trip for old farts! We’ll be back!This trip was fantastic! I’m 60 and my partner is 63. This was our first time to white water raft so I was a bit nervous after I read the risk information! The guides really looked after us and really know their stuff. I felt like I was in great hands. Aside from the guide in your raft there are also kayakers that come along that can help you if you need it. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and the river so turquoise! There was plenty of opportunity to just float along and relax but there was also the exhilaration of the rapids. Not scary but so much fun! Free photos are emailed to you after the trip……and they are great. Such a good job at capturing everyone. We will be back for sure! Thank you to all staff for such a brilliant experience.Written 5 March 2025
- rickandpat0 contributionsHighly recommend, really funWow, really fun! First time jet boating, and it was great. Friend was concerned it would hurt her neck with the turns, but no problem. Next part, the rafting, was my conern. I have a lot of experience but just don't like the big water anymore. This was pretty tame in Feb., a few real rapids but nothing crazy, and the river was gorgeous. Opportunity to swim, cliff jump tooWritten 28 February 2025
- BiancaS6520 contributionsGreat jet boat and rafting tourThe jet boat and rafting tour was a great experience. The staff is friendly, explained everything well and gave all the necessary safety instructions. You also have the opportunity to jump out of the boat during the rafting to swim. Even if you are traveling alone, this tour is more than worth it.Written 28 February 2025
- leahaU920PF0 contributionsRafting and tranquility all in one.Amazing rafting trip. Spent a lot of time swimming...or shall I say floating in the river. Amazing tranquility cheaper than therapy...lol. guide was very hospitable and knowledgeable on the river. Great crew from booking at the site to the very end.Written 26 February 2025
- Nigel W0 contributionsGreat on a hot dayGreat fun. Speed, lots of handbrake turns and spins. Skipper was amusing and gave plenty of warnings of spins and turns.Written 25 February 2025
- Angeliiiiine0 contributionsAmazingMy first time rafting and I loved it ! It was incredible and Jess was amazing ! I was scared at the beginning but then I had a lot of fun. Thank you !Written 24 February 2025
- matthewcI8334WQ0 contributionsAwesomeWas great fun - our guide was informative, fun and entertaining throughout. I recommend going with a group who can coordinate their movements well, or you may end up swimming a lot hahaWritten 22 February 2025
- sydneybO1779AX0 contributionsAmazing unforgettable dayWe had the most incredible time they had so many fun challenges for us to try and we got to cliff jump and float in the water and instruction was great we had matt he was great!Written 17 February 2025
- 948angeb0 contributionsSO MUCH FUN !!!THIS WAS SO WORTH DOING!!! The guide we had was unreal - Harry, so experienced, knowledgeable, fun & genuinely loved his job! Such a stunning place to do what we did.Written 17 February 2025
- magdalenafQ6631RT0 contributionsJetboat and white water raftingAmazing and so fun. I felt safe throughout the whole activity. We had a lot of fun and I am so happy we did this activity. Me and my family has gotten so sweet memories forever in our hearts. ThankyouWritten 17 February 2025
- Trail106519735290 contributionsBeautiful but river was too calmVery stunning - but unfortunately not a very thrilling experience. The waves were few and it was more just a gentle paddle down the stress. I also found it quite short. 8km went by too fast. The staff however were very professional and informative, and went over and beyond to make the experience more engaging. Please also be aware that the grades of rivers mean the danger of the river, not the intensity. I made this mistake.Written 13 February 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.8
186 reviews
Excellent
165
Very good
11
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Darren W
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Beautiful day out with my wife, and daughters 16 and 20, Great fun and really close to flipping boat but stayed in. Water very cold but our Guide Gabe kept us safe and a really good experience with our older kids. Recommend to anyone wanting an adrenaline rush and experience nature along the river. Very safety driven culture by all staff from the right driving skill coming into Skippers canyon, along the equipment for out, inductions and guide clear direction and practice before we started.
Written 10 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheree L
1 contribution
This rafting trip down the "Shotty" was absolutely amazing. We were lucky enough to have gorgeous sunny weather and the river was at its peak. Our guide, Iko, told us that if it was any higher we would not be able to run it. Speaking of our guide, Iko was very professional, skilled and made our trip so much fun taking advantage of the big water but keeping us safe. I would highly recommend this trip with RealNZ.
Written 31 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire C
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
The white water rafting trip was really fun! Our guide Benji was very experienced and guided us very well with the rafting as well as made sure we had fun. However, I do hope that the tour company and the local authorities will do something to make the skippers canyon road safer for all the tourists. The skippers canyon road is the only road access to the starting point for rafting. It is very narrow with loose rocks on the edge( without enforcement) along very steep cliffs. If left unrepaired, it is an accident waiting to happen. I hope more tourists will advocate for the local authorities to fix this road as more tourists are coming to enjoy this river.
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1800fordey
Adelaide, Australia35 contributions
Very well run and spectacular scenery, but disappointingly low on adrenaline. For $299 pp we wanted more.
The bus ride through Skippers Canyon was a surprising highlight, with fun facts, amazing vistas and friendly banter from the guide. The briefing and equipment were all very sound, and we never felt unsafe. There were 9 rafts on our trip, and the weather could not have been better: 24deg, blue sky and a light breeze. The river was up from recent heavy rain, and perhaps that was the biggest factor in our disappointment, as the rapids were few and far between, and despite the hype and/or over explanations from the slightly green guide, they were over fast and with minimal fuss or risk of falling out. The grades of the rapids must be very subjective? I thought we would be exhausted by the end, but again perhaps the high flow meant we didn’t actually need to do much paddling, and there weren’t many aching muscles by the time we put the rafts back on the trailers (yes, you do some of the work, including washing your own wetsuits and booties despite the eye watering ticket price).
I get there’s a lot of cost in running these trips, and I was willing to depart with over a thousand dollars for the promise of thrills, but given the choice I’d save my money next time for something more exciting than a pleasant float down the river. I’m not saying don’t do it - just know what you’re getting (and not getting).
The bus ride through Skippers Canyon was a surprising highlight, with fun facts, amazing vistas and friendly banter from the guide. The briefing and equipment were all very sound, and we never felt unsafe. There were 9 rafts on our trip, and the weather could not have been better: 24deg, blue sky and a light breeze. The river was up from recent heavy rain, and perhaps that was the biggest factor in our disappointment, as the rapids were few and far between, and despite the hype and/or over explanations from the slightly green guide, they were over fast and with minimal fuss or risk of falling out. The grades of the rapids must be very subjective? I thought we would be exhausted by the end, but again perhaps the high flow meant we didn’t actually need to do much paddling, and there weren’t many aching muscles by the time we put the rafts back on the trailers (yes, you do some of the work, including washing your own wetsuits and booties despite the eye watering ticket price).
I get there’s a lot of cost in running these trips, and I was willing to depart with over a thousand dollars for the promise of thrills, but given the choice I’d save my money next time for something more exciting than a pleasant float down the river. I’m not saying don’t do it - just know what you’re getting (and not getting).
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malin W
3 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
We had an absolutely amazing time white water rafting and couldn’t be more satisfied with the entire experience! From start to finish, everything was perfect. Our guide, Benji, truly made the day unforgettable. His energy, expertise, and sense of humor were top-notch, and he made sure we felt safe, yet excited the whole time. Big kudos to Benji for making this trip extra special! Team Sweden will be back!
Written 10 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Departure09287091732
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Family
This trip gets one star purely for the focus on safety✨
In fact, it’s so focused on it that they don’t do much else.
For the heinous price-tag of 299 NZD, we only got one actually 5 second segment of excitement at the “Oh sh*t” rapids. The rest of the trip, we were trying to hold back our yawns. The pathetic drop available is underwhelming and the speed of the rapids is comically slow 🥱
Compared to other white-water rafting experiences overseas and even the one in North Island’s Rotorua, it’s downright LAUGHABLE to consider this whitewater rafting.
What made it worse was that throughout the entire trip, our guide, Guy, was laser-focused on safety. As a result, the fun factor of the trip took the backseat. Other groups’ guides tried to add to the thrill by capsizing their boats, allowing them to swim twice in the river, etc.
There’s an acceptable threshold to which you can be focused on safety, but this company makes it feel tremendously overbearing.
My advice? Take your 299 New Zealand dollars elsewhere 😙😙
In fact, it’s so focused on it that they don’t do much else.
For the heinous price-tag of 299 NZD, we only got one actually 5 second segment of excitement at the “Oh sh*t” rapids. The rest of the trip, we were trying to hold back our yawns. The pathetic drop available is underwhelming and the speed of the rapids is comically slow 🥱
Compared to other white-water rafting experiences overseas and even the one in North Island’s Rotorua, it’s downright LAUGHABLE to consider this whitewater rafting.
What made it worse was that throughout the entire trip, our guide, Guy, was laser-focused on safety. As a result, the fun factor of the trip took the backseat. Other groups’ guides tried to add to the thrill by capsizing their boats, allowing them to swim twice in the river, etc.
There’s an acceptable threshold to which you can be focused on safety, but this company makes it feel tremendously overbearing.
My advice? Take your 299 New Zealand dollars elsewhere 😙😙
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CheshireNess
Oxfordshire, UK11 contributions
We were a group of 9; 3 of us had done a lot of rafting and we brought our 6 novice teenagers. It was a fabulous experience for all of us. The operation is extremely slick at getting everyone kitted up so there was little waiting around. The drive through Skipper’s Canyon is spectacular, if nail biting and once afloat, the river flows through a stunningly beautiful canyon with an exciting range of rapids. The guides were extremely professional, knowledgeable and fun. All of us would highly recommend RealNZ Shotover rafting.
Written 25 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a pleasure having you all on the trip! You smashed the river like champions.
Written 10 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Holly D
5 contributions
Had a great time white water rafting with Real NZ.
The Real NZ team were great fun, professional and on top of everything. Felt in very safe hands throughout and enjoyed every moment. The Shotover River is beautiful.
Benji was our guide and he was great. He was very good at giving directions and keeping our raft working together. He was friendly and really good company. Again, we felt very safe with him. We had great chats and banter as a little group, Benji probably had more relationship advice than he was planning for, as he had 2.5 married couples in his raft!
Shout out also to Wade (I think it was Wade) who kept our minibus entertained during the bus trip to the start point. Very funny guy and a welcome distraction from the frankly terrifying drop into the gorge!
The Real NZ team were great fun, professional and on top of everything. Felt in very safe hands throughout and enjoyed every moment. The Shotover River is beautiful.
Benji was our guide and he was great. He was very good at giving directions and keeping our raft working together. He was friendly and really good company. Again, we felt very safe with him. We had great chats and banter as a little group, Benji probably had more relationship advice than he was planning for, as he had 2.5 married couples in his raft!
Shout out also to Wade (I think it was Wade) who kept our minibus entertained during the bus trip to the start point. Very funny guy and a welcome distraction from the frankly terrifying drop into the gorge!
Written 18 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lachlan M
Queenstown, New Zealand322 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Awesome trip from start to finish. Gnarly drive on the Skippers Road, one of the most dangerous in the world, then kitted up and given initial safety instructions before hopping in the raft. Our guide, Duzzy, was excellent, there's time to practice skills before getting in to the big rapids. The rapids themselves were up to grade 5, with a new section that had only been formed the night before - the crew kept us safe at all times and we had such a blast - highly recommend!
Written 12 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigator44776071953
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
Absolutely STUNNING afternoon! Dani G the Papito Gatito led us masterfully over some thrilling drops. The rapids were serious,but he kept us calm, confident, and laughing the whole ride with no men overboard. Smooth rowing and gorgeous views of the canyon and wildlife (goat count: 6) from both above during the approach in the van and below from the raft on the crystal clear river. Dynamically challenging, peaceful, and bonding. Unforgettable! ♡
Written 29 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The last time I was in Queenstown I booked the Shotover Jet Boat Ride and the White Water Rafting Combo (Nov/2018 #862794). We will be returning in March, 2020 and I tried booking the Combo package again, but could not find it anywhere. Would you please direct me to the link along with the pricing and times? Thanks.
Written 30 September 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.