Rafting

Kawarau River White Water Rafting by RealNZ

Duration

4 hrs 30 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Pickup available

Ride the Kawarau River’s grade 2-3 rapids on a beginner-friendly rafting trip, perfect for first-timers and those wanting a fun, scenic adventure.

Race your friends through the river’s wide channels, enjoy calm stretches for swimming, and tackle the thrilling 400-meter-long Dog Leg rapid.

Take in stunning Central Otago scenery as you paddle through rugged gorges, past vineyards, and along the famous filming sites of The Lord of the Rings.

Upgrade your adventure with a high-speed 25-minute jet boat ride, skimming across the water and pulling 360° spins before you hit the rapids.

Fun fact: The Kawarau River flows into the turquoise waters of Lake Dunstan and was historically used by Māori for travel, trade, and gathering food.

1-hour rafting on the Kawarau River

Experienced rafting guides

Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base

All rafting and safety equipment including wetsuit and helmet

Use of hot showers

25-minute jet boat ride (based on selected option)

Food (can be purchased at Canyon Brewing Queenstown after the trip)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

210 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Justine P
Group
Verified booking
May 2026
It was a good level of difficulty given that we were not experieinced rafters. The guides were super friendly and knowledgeable about not only the kawarau, but other rivers in NZ and overseas as well. Highly enjoyable experience!
Joseph M
Group
Verified booking
Jan 2026
Karen D
Group
Verified booking
Nov 2025
We didn't get to go RealNZ cancelled our activity 50 minutes before we were do to start. We couldn't rebook due to flying back to Australia that night
Apr 2025
First time rafting with my teenage sons—can honestly say it blew us away. The rapids were wild but not terrifying, and our guide (shoutout to Max!) kept everyone laughing. Water was freezing at first but you get used to it quick. I loved just drifting in the calm spots, staring up at those HUGE cliffs. My youngest is usually nervous with water stuff but the crew was so chill, he totally forgot to be scared. Btw, bring dry clothes for after, you'll def want them. Already planning to do this again next year!
Apr 2025
Rafting trip was pretty cooool. Went with my bf and another couple. Was a bit crowded at the start (guess that's normal?) but once we got on the river it was just us and the water. Scenery is STUNNING. Only downside—wish the rapids were a bit longer. Guides are really pro tho and kept everyone safe. Not too scary even for beginners like me.

Tackle grade 2–3 rapids on the Kawarau River with certified guides, including the iconic 400m Dog Leg rapid, on this 4.5-hour rafting adventure.

Getting started

Check in at the Rafting Base in Queenstown, where you’ll meet your guides and receive a full safety briefing. After gearing up with provided wetsuits and equipment, board the shuttle for a short transfer to the river’s starting point.

What to expect

The Kawarau River, set amid Central Otago’s vineyard landscapes, is renowned for accessible yet exhilarating whitewater rafting. This river features the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand, making it a standout for both first-timers and thrill-seekers.

Features

Dog Leg rapid: Navigate the 400m Dog Leg, the country’s longest commercial rapid, for a true test of teamwork and paddling skills.

Optional cliff jumping: Water levels permitting, try an optional cliff jump for an extra shot of adrenaline.

Scenic river route: Paddle through stretches flanked by Central Otago vineyards, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.

Safety and comfort: All safety gear is provided, with hot showers and secure lockers available at the Rafting Base after your trip.

Return shuttle: Convenient transport back to downtown Queenstown is included, ensuring a seamless finish to your adventure.

What to bring

Bring your own swimsuit and towel; wetsuits work best with swimwear only.

Bring a valid photo ID for age verification if requested at check-in.

It is recommended to bring only essential items; secure lockers are available for small valuables at the Rafting Base.

What’s not allowed

Cameras, GoPros, and other recording devices are not allowed on the raft for health and safety reasons.

Jeans or cotton clothing are not permitted under wetsuits.

Large bags and unnecessary valuables are not recommended; storage is limited.

Spectators are not allowed due to the remote location, friends and family cannot watch the trip.

Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the weight of 40kg (88.18lb), over the weight of 120kg (264.55lb) and under the age of 13 years.

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.

Pregnant people and guests with back issues, cardiac issues, and other serious medical conditions cannot participate in the experience.

Participants must be able to swim 25m unaided and have moderate fitness.

Participants must be able to understand and follow safety briefings in English, or have a translator in their party.

Additional information

All participants must sign a waiver form.

Guests under 16 years old must have a guardian traveling with them and all guests under 18 years old must have a waiver form signed by a guardian.

Guests must be water-confident, able to swim in fast-moving water, and agree to carefully follow instructions from the guides.

Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level.

The operator reserves the right to refuse participation and cancel or amend any trips due to river, road, or weather conditions or insufficient numbers in the interest of all guests’ safety.

All trips are subject to weather, river levels, and water temperature, and may be cancelled or substituted for safety reasons.

Trips operate with minimum numbers; reconfirm your booking at least 24 hours prior to departure.

A comprehensive safety briefing and all necessary rafting equipment are provided.

Hot showers and toilets are available at the Rafting Base.

Food and beverages are available for purchase after the trip at Canyon Brewing Queenstown.

All guides are qualified and certified professionals.

Participation involves a degree of risk; safety cannot be guaranteed.

1% of all online bookings until the end of September go towards protecting the Pukunui NZ Southern Dotterel.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 20 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre.

Address: RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, CBD, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point