Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat
5
Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat
By RealNZ
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About
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.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 13-99, max of 10 per group
Duration: 4h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Use of hot showers
- Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
- Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
- Jet Boat ride to the rafting put-in point
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Start:
- RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre, RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandPlease check-in at least 20 minute prior to your check-in time. If unsure of your departure time please call our Contact Centre and confirm your booking.
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: 3342P26- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- 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 travellers 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
- 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers
- 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: 3342P26
From
$299.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- teresasY1257JT0 contributionsMust do!Awesome experience! Our driver Jess was fantastic. Lots of spins, the music pumping. It was lightly raining when we left. Goggles and spray jackets were provided. Would highly recommend.Written 7 October 2024
- 127maretas0 contributionsAwesome!It was a rainy day but we didn't care! Our driver made sure we were all safe he had a great sense of humour! Staff explained everything clearly. We had a blast! Would definitely book again if I go QueenstownWritten 25 August 2024
- R1026UFpetera0 contributionsAlways worth doing.It was freezing cold but we wrapped up warm and survived. The thrill of the big jet engines powering up on the lake is awesome. The 360 spins were fun and not at all scary. The staff are friendly and professional. Good value.Written 31 July 2024
- melanierI1284ZC0 contributionsFun tour - I’d go againFantastic tour for anyone looking for a nice half day option. The rapids were fun but nothing requiring prior skills. Staff were great guides - and the safety kayaks provide a nice backup should you happen to fall out (nobody did on my tour, but can happen). Gorgeous area so the scenery was also stunning. The drive in was full of beautiful scenery and then the river itself was amazing - plenty of relaxing sections between the rapids to soak it in. Really enjoyed it and love that they include the photos in the price - so I have some pictures to share with family and friends (the other adventure tour I did wanted 20% on top of the tour price for photos). If I’m back in Queenstown I’d be looking to go again.Written 10 May 2024
- _jackieaa10 contributionsA great way to enjoy the roads and river around QueenstownVery well organised and great fun! The drive en route was so worth seeing, and the rafting exciting but the team made sure you were kept as safe as possible. A very professional set up and a great way to enjoy the area around Queenstown.Written 19 April 2024
- Guide028975859540 contributionsShotover rafting, Must Do.Cracker run, water was pumping after lots of rain, our guide was so relaxed but fun and VERY professional... The time flew by rolling through the river, wanted to go again.Written 13 April 2024
- monikat4490 contributionsOutstandingStunning views and fun times. Highly recommend this experience. Driver was outstanding and the scenery was spectacular. Fun for kids as well and better than paying for a 25minute ride with other companies in the area for your first time. The 360’degree turns were fun and not scary at all. Next time I would like to go on a more adventurous version of this experience.Written 30 March 2024
- FarAway153357367080 contributionsAmazing raftingThis was the third time white water rafting for us and it was the best one we ever done! We were lucky that the day before the rafting was raining and the water level reached the highest point in 2 month. It came out very intense and a few of very challenging rapids. We even got to do the tunnel that was purely relying on water level. Wow it was amazing ! Thank you for giving us a such thrilled experience Team!Written 25 March 2024
- J4076JFsimons0 contributionsAwesome River Rafting Experience!The Shooter River White Water Rafting adventure! Couldn’t speak more highly of our very professional and expert raft leaders, who were very thorough with their instructions, drills and knowledge, all imparted with humour and an obvious love for what they do!Written 25 March 2024
- AndrewH350 contributionsBe conscious of your passengers comfort.I have done previous trips with other companies and much preferred the Dart river excursion in Lake Whatatipu. In hindsite I regret we did not do a jet boat out of Wanaka this time. The Kawarau river scenery was average. The 12 March afternoon trip was marred during our return ride when we encountered a short steep chop head-on as a rain shower passed through. Incredibly hard and jarring ride which the boat operator did little to mitigate. I am a skipper myself and he should have slowed down more and taken the waves at an angle. He was in a comfortable spring-mounted seat so was oblivious to the discomfort of his passengers. Perhaps he was in a rush to get back to the dock.Written 17 March 2024
- deliad7630 contributionsOutstanding experienceThe most amazing experience rafting, the staff were all out standing insuring we all got the most of out of rafting experience. Would highly recommend.Written 15 March 2024
- 733natg0 contributionsAmazing adrenaline rush with lots of laughsI had an amazing time! Laughed all day! Learned techniques from Guy. Thanks Team! I loved it!!!!!! I loved rafting over Shotover river !! Can’t wait to come back!! 😊Written 14 March 2024
- ihalber0 contributionsDon’t miss a day on the waterAn amazing experience and a must when in Queenstown. The guides are awesome, knowledgeable and funny. The scenery is amazing, the rapids are good fun and all in all a great experience.Written 13 March 2024
- roshpatel960 contributionsWhite water rafting on ShotoverAmazing experience with RealNZ, the team were all lovely and helpful. We had an excellent experience and I’d never done it before! No one fell out or flipped on our trip. Kinnan was an excellent guide and made the trip very enjoyable. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the area!Written 13 March 2024
- Passenger070980690750 contributions5 Stars!Rafting in Queenstown was an incredible experience! With perfect weather and a knowledgeable, fun guide, it was an absolute must-do activity.Written 11 March 2024
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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5.0
68 reviews
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Joe H
Queenstown, New Zealand3 contributions
Oct 2021
The jet boat driver was very informative about the area and the history of Queenstown and the gold rush. Our rafting guide Kenan (sorry if I spelt it wrong) was really good and had a lot of trust in us not flipping the raft. Absolutely awesome experience all round and I will definitely recommend it to friends. Looking forward to rafting the Shotover river with you guys next!
Written 2 November 2021
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.
Thank you for taking the time to post this review. We hope that the guides trust in you and clear instructions were enough to get you through the whitewater rapids without flipping! It sounds like you had an awesome day out on the Kawarau river and hope that you can join us on the Shotover one day. Go and test the trust levels on the grade 3-5 rapids. You won't regret it!
Written 28 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gordon M
Stanwick, UK55 contributions
One of the best activity experiences we've ever done!
Everything was superbly organised from start to finish, and we felt safe and well looked after by the super friendly and entertaining staff.
All the safety equipment seemed clean and well maintained, and care was taken to make sure everything fitted as well as possible.
The jet boat ride was huge fun, but also incredibly scenic, racing down the Kawarau river, skimming along the water (the boat only needs 2 inches of water), swooping around the bends and doing 360deg spins.
We then swapped to the rafts, where we got excellent, clear instructions on what we needed to do. We set off gently to get us used to what to do, and had multiple opportunities to voluntarily get out of the rafts for a swim/float, either in the calmer sections or through one of the milder white water sections.
At one point we stopped at a small beach area for a swim, where we could also do a 2-3m jump off a rock (or multiple jumps if you wanted - I did it 4 times).
The final section was the biggest rapids, which was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride.
Even the bus ride sections of the experience were scenic, with the staff doing a great job of keeping everyone engaged and entertained.
By the end we were all tired but absolutely buzzing. This was utterly brilliant and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it!
Everything was superbly organised from start to finish, and we felt safe and well looked after by the super friendly and entertaining staff.
All the safety equipment seemed clean and well maintained, and care was taken to make sure everything fitted as well as possible.
The jet boat ride was huge fun, but also incredibly scenic, racing down the Kawarau river, skimming along the water (the boat only needs 2 inches of water), swooping around the bends and doing 360deg spins.
We then swapped to the rafts, where we got excellent, clear instructions on what we needed to do. We set off gently to get us used to what to do, and had multiple opportunities to voluntarily get out of the rafts for a swim/float, either in the calmer sections or through one of the milder white water sections.
At one point we stopped at a small beach area for a swim, where we could also do a 2-3m jump off a rock (or multiple jumps if you wanted - I did it 4 times).
The final section was the biggest rapids, which was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride.
Even the bus ride sections of the experience were scenic, with the staff doing a great job of keeping everyone engaged and entertained.
By the end we were all tired but absolutely buzzing. This was utterly brilliant and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it!
Written 12 January 2023
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.
Reading this review even gets us buzzing! Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Written 1 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anthony C
Warrington, United Kingdom3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Me and my partner booked on the night before the rafting trip. The whole experience was fantastic. I had never been rafting and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The staff from start to finish did such an amazing job making jokes being funny and putting in maximum effort to make everyone feel welcome. They made sure everyone was up to date with the safety rules and it was a very professional experience in that sense.
Onto the actual river! Guy was our rafting chief as we will call him. He was very fun taught us everything we needed to know got us all working as a team. And insured the safety of the older couple that joined us on the raft so this is suitable for all ages.
Guy let us know when we could jump out and swim for a bit we stopped at a little area to do a few jumps into the river. Very fun.
They captured some photos of the trip alright quality considering they were taken from a go pro on a kayak on the river. I think it would have been nice if we could have got a video going though the rapids but I'm certainly not complaining.
The picture got sent to us free after the rafting that was a bonus.
Definitely recommend for beginners I will be trying the shotover river next time for a bit more of a challenge.
Thank you for a great experience.
The staff from start to finish did such an amazing job making jokes being funny and putting in maximum effort to make everyone feel welcome. They made sure everyone was up to date with the safety rules and it was a very professional experience in that sense.
Onto the actual river! Guy was our rafting chief as we will call him. He was very fun taught us everything we needed to know got us all working as a team. And insured the safety of the older couple that joined us on the raft so this is suitable for all ages.
Guy let us know when we could jump out and swim for a bit we stopped at a little area to do a few jumps into the river. Very fun.
They captured some photos of the trip alright quality considering they were taken from a go pro on a kayak on the river. I think it would have been nice if we could have got a video going though the rapids but I'm certainly not complaining.
The picture got sent to us free after the rafting that was a bonus.
Definitely recommend for beginners I will be trying the shotover river next time for a bit more of a challenge.
Thank you for a great experience.
Written 17 February 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.
Abby28
Forresters Beach, Australia9 contributions
Nov 2022
I had the best day possible on this trip! The jet boat is such a fun way to get the trip started, the driver was incredibly skilled and full of information about Queenstown. Once you finish jetting around, spinning, and laughing, you get dropped off to the rafts where you meet your fabulous guides! Everyone in my raft had never been rafting before and our guides were incredibly reassuring and helpful. We had so much fun and even jumped in the swim in the icy water. Everyone who is a part of this trip is an absolute professional but also they are lots of fun and make the experience! This is a must do if you visit Queenstown.
Written 18 November 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.
Oh, Abby, this review made our day. You're group absolutely smashed it on the river! We hope you all made some epic memories. Catch ya next time.
Written 20 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marion P
Guildford, UK27 contributions
Feb 2023
Great jet boat ride but white water rafting was a bit tame. Great time, but the rapids are not really challenging and softer than we had expected. Saying that we had a great time, staff were brilliant and the equipment supplied was well maintained and good choice of sizes etc for wetsuits etc. I was slightly concerned being a size 18 but they had no trouble finding things to fit! They took special care of one lady who was showing signs of being cold, very professional. Still waiting for the link for the photos, which is a bit disappointing as we’ve been home a couple of weeks. Hopefully they will come this week 🤞
Written 6 March 2023
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.
Thanks for coming whitewater rafting with us! If you still haven't received your rafting photos, flick an email through to queenstown1@realnz.com. Someone from the team can track them down for you.
Written 4 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kyle L
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Friends
Absolutely incredible experience! Beautiful scenery, extremely funny, knowledgeable and safe staff. I felt so at ease. I had Libby as my rafting guide and she was incredible. I am generally a fearful person but I felt so incredibly safe, and I would recommend this experience to anyone. Swimming/floating in the Kawarau river in between rafting through rapids was genuinely one of my favourite experiences of all time.
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.
Derek S
Aberdeen, UK106 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
We did the jet boating and rafting combo as a family of 4, 2 of us in our 60s and two in 30s. Jet boating was such a thrill ride from the lake down river to our rafting point. Lots of thrilling spins etc. Rafting was great fun with 3-4 white water stretches and lots of opportunities for swimming, rock jumping and some fun on the boat. For the “oldies” no pressure to do anything we were uncomfortable with, for youngsters you can be as daring as you wish. We all had a great time… exhausted at the end!! The Real NZ team are caring, safety conscious and fun, special mention to Erin who led our boat and was so full of energy and fun while also looking out for us.
Written 25 February 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.
Sutty G
4 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Proper good for solo travellers, as you get put into a group and need to work as a team.
Great experience, the “rapids” were pretty good, lots of bumps and waves but wasn’t overly crazy which was expected and good for me!
Floating down the river off the raft was also an awesome highlight.
Zane was a proper legend, made the whole experience a great trip, from some sick activities on the raft, good banter, and just being an overall gc.
The jet boat was great too, lots of fun donut-esque moves, drifting and near misses to start the day.
Great experience, the “rapids” were pretty good, lots of bumps and waves but wasn’t overly crazy which was expected and good for me!
Floating down the river off the raft was also an awesome highlight.
Zane was a proper legend, made the whole experience a great trip, from some sick activities on the raft, good banter, and just being an overall gc.
The jet boat was great too, lots of fun donut-esque moves, drifting and near misses to start the day.
Written 31 January 2023
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.
Thanks so much for coming! The crew loved taking you out on the river. :)
Written 1 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
katie66Uk
Welwyn, UK293 contributions
We did a few trips in queenstown but this was one of the best. Often you spend loads of time picking people up safety briefings etc and only a short time actually doing anything. Of course this has all the needed safety briefings etc but the time actual on the water was great. The jet boat ride was really good fun, you were then dropped off for the rafting. I had never been on a raft before and this was the perfect level for a first timer some slightly more difficult rapids inter mixed with some gentle drifting down stream. The guides and jet boat riders were fab and you even got the photos for free afterwards which is a rare thing these days
Written 13 January 2023
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.
For a first-timer, you were awesome! Congrats on tackling the mighty Kawarau River.
Written 1 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EGCPerth
Perth30 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
AMAZING!!! We had an absolute ball on this tour. The staff were all so professional, instructions were clear, they were fun and inspired confidence for our first time jet boating and rafting. The jet boat was so exciting and then the rafting (which I was a bit nervous about) was absolutely amazing! Morgan, Benji and Jacob took us on the ride of our lives - I wasn't expecting to be able to jump off and float down the river and also do a little rock jumping, so that was an added bonus. We all managed to stay in the boat when we need to! Such a fabulous morning, one I will always remember. I would highly recommend Real NZ for this experience!
Written 23 February 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.
No questions have been asked about this experience
