On the Water
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$305
per adult
Challenge Rafting
Challenge Rafting
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Full view
About
Challenge Rafting operates exciting half-day trips on the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers in Queenstown. The Kawarau River is suited to first time rafters or those wanting a taste of rafting and is accessed by vehicle. The Shotover River is accessed by vehicle through the historic Skippers Canyon forged out by goldminers during the big Gold Rush. This road is inaccessible in winter and for this reason Heli-rafting is offered in winter on the Shotover River.
Tours and Tickets by Challenge Rafting
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(17 reviews)
(2 reviews)
(34 reviews)
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4.5
161 reviews
Excellent
118
Very good
29
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Sofia P
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
This activity was great. We had great fun both when we went jet boating and white water rafting. Definitely the highlight of the trip.
Written 22 November 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.
Alexis S
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Had the best day rafting .. Casey our guide was amazing and Josh kept us entertained on the bus ride. ( which is quiet scary yet amazing) by far the best thing we did in NZ. Thanks guys you truly do an awesome job.
Written 16 November 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.
Go08632870352
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
This was a fantastic experience, the guides were amazing and made us feel relaxed but also the right level of respect for the rapids. it was an absolute blast, and having the jet ride at the start made it even more exciting. Will definitely do this again!
Written 13 November 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.
Papaya
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I went on the afternoon of Nov-9, very special experience! While I was in the river and holding on the side rope, waiting to be dragged onto the raft, the boat hit a huge rock and stuck there, causing a strong current which pulled me down, head below water, unable to pull myself out. Choked for a couple secs and realized no one could pull me out, I released the rope, went with the current, passed by the raft above me, and finally floated out of the water, coughing like hell. In less than one sec, the safe guy in black kayak came to me, helped me calm down and get back to the raft. He’s really amazing and professional! Unfortunately I didn’t get his name. I talked with him afterwards that he did so well, he deserved a bonus. (Plz, Challenge Rafting, if you see this review, that safety guy really did an awesome job!) The small accident was a plus! Once in a life time experience ;) I would definitely join the rafting again!
Written 10 November 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.
Vanessa M
7 contributions
Apr 2023
Awesome experience, great fun. Well organised and no experience necessary. A terrific team of guides who contributed to the fun and frivolity. All equipment supplied including full wetsuits. Kawarau River rapids are pretty tame, but still well worth the trip. Met some new friends and ventured outside the comfort zone.
Written 28 April 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.
Kia Ora Vanessa, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review. It sounds like you had a fantastic adventure with our team. We're thrilled to know how much you enjoyed it. Thanks heaps for joining us in Queenstown.
Written 2 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen A
5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
A horrific death-defying experience for a strong swimmer. Even though the guide provided ample safety and risk information and training, what happened was not expected. At the first level 5 rapid, the raft dropped down the 3-metre-high rapid, flipped up and over due to the force of the water resulting in the 6 of us either thrown into the vigorously turbulent water or holding on under the raft. Due to the turbulence, I was held under water for about 30 seconds not able to see or determine which way was up. Eventually I surfaced and caught my breath, only to find myself soon dragged underwater again by the fall of the second level 5 rapid. After surfacing and catching my breath a second time, the experience was repeated at the third level 5 rapid. I eventually entered a fast moving rapid-free stretch of water where I was able to see and reach for a rope attached to a raft and pull myself to the shore, gasping for air and coughing up water I had swallowed during this ordeal of several minutes and several hundred meters. Luckily the 6 of us were left without series injury, however we were very much in shock. Unfortunately, the only way out of the canyon was to return to the raft and complete the journey that included 2 more level 5 rapids, which we managed without further incident. I would recommend this activity for only those who are extremely strong swimmers and are willing to take high risks.
Written 13 April 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.
Journey36979649387
Kia Ora,
We are sorry to hear about your experience with us. We appreciate your review and feedback. It is advised this activity is for strong swimmers who are willing to take risks. Could you please send us an email at manager@raft.co.nz with your booking details so we can learn more about your experience to better suit our customers in the future. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Queenstown.
Written 23 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kate0777
australia4 contributions
Feb 2023
This weas an amazing Day, we had Chris as our expert rafter, however the whole team that set us up drove us around were awesome. Could ask for a better day. The 17km Jet boat ride just to get to the 10Km Rafting was so much value for the money! Would definitely do this again.
Written 26 February 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.
Kia Ora Kate, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us and the team a 5-star review. We are so glad you enjoyed your experience with us. Thanks heaps for joining us. We hope to see you again in the future.
Written 23 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KRS393
Salt Lake City, UT9 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
They were super amazing friendly staff. They made sure everyone had a good time and did the best they could in a drought situation. Well done and an awesome time! With photos to prove it!
Written 21 February 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.
Kia Ora, Thank you for leaving us a wonderful review. We really appreciate it. We're so glad to know how much you enjoyed your experience with us and can look back on your photos. We thank you for joining us in Queenstown.
Written 23 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Guide23249023896
3 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Absolutely terrific! We had a ball, felt safe, the scenery was incredible, and it was such a laugh. It’s the best way to see the Kauwarau river.
Written 19 February 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.
Kia Ora, Thanks so much for leaving us a wonderful, 5-star review. We appreciate your support.
Written 23 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mikesalter
North Yorkshire, UK674 contributions
Feb 2023
Went on a jet boat ride followed by white water rafting with this company. Really enjoyed the rafting experience. Our pilot on the boat, Chris I think, was excellent making the trip a really fun experience. We didn’t do Shotover, we did Kawarau river with level 3 rapids and that was certainly fun. Overall great morning and thoroughly recommend this company that were professional in every aspect making what could be a nervous experience a fun one.
Written 11 February 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.
Kia Ora Mike, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a phenomenal review. We really appreciate it. We're glad you enjoyed your day out with Chris. Thank you for joining us. We hope to see you again in the future.
Written 26 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience