Shotover River
Step across this great frontier and meet the challenge of white water rafting on Queenstown's famous Shotover River. Experience the rugged beauty and unspoilt grandeur of the breathtaking scenery as you conquer this wild and untamed river. Tackle six rapid sections along the Shotover River, with stretches of calm water to take in the views, go for a swim and soak up it's gold mining history. The long and narrow grade 4-5 'Mother' section made up of rapids such as 'Aftershock', 'Sqeeze', 'Toilet' and 'Pinball'. Raft through the darkness of the 170 metre Oxenbridge Tunnel and shoot the Cascade Rapid to complete the challenge. The Shotover River is either accessed by vehicle or by helicopter to the remote rafting launch site in Skippers Canyon forged out by gold miners during the big Queenstown gold rush. The historic Skippers Canyon road is inaccessible in winter, therefore only heli-rafting options are available in winter on the Shotover River. (June - mid Sept) For more things to do in Queenstown check out our Shotover River adventure combos »Duration:
4 - 5 hours
Grade:
3 - 5
Departures:
Twice daily am and pm
Cost:
NZ$195 per person
Kawarau River
A great introduction to white water rafting, the four rapids on the Kawarau River are exciting and the scenery is superb. This grade 2-3 rafting trip is perfect for first time rafters, families and school groups. It provides a great taste of white water action with plenty of opportunities to splash around, try a cliff jump or even swim through a rapid! Between rapids you will experience calmer stretches of river, with a unique perspective of the historic Kawarau Bungy Bridge as your raft passes underneath. Experience the rugged Gibbston Valley wine region and Lord of the Rings country as you float through the rocky cliffs and blue waters of the Kawarau River. The Grande Finale is the unforgettable 400 metre Dog Leg Rapid which ends your trip on New Zealand’s largest volume commercially rafted river. For more Queenstown activity options check out our Kawarau River adventure combos »Duration:
4 - 5 hours
Grade:
2 - 3
Departures:
Twice daily am and pm
Cost:
NZ$195 per person
Heli Rafting
Combine the thrill of white water rafting with a spectacular helicopter flight high above the river! Experience a scenic helicopter flight into the rafting launch site deep within Skippers Canyon for the mighty Shotover River or fly past the rugged Remarkables mountain range into Gibbston Valley for the Kawarau River. Then test your sense of adventure by paddling your way down the whitewater rapids! No experience is required. Our professional and experienced guides provide instruction and guidance to make your trip even more enjoyable. All trips include courtesy coach transfers, specialist on-river clothing, safety briefing, professional guides and sauna/hot shower after your raft trip. For more activities in Queenstown check out our Heli-Rafting adventure combos »Duration:
4 - 5 hours
Grade:
3 - 5
Departures:
Twice daily am and pm
Cost:
NZ$279.00 per person
Rates valid 01 Oct 2012 – 30 Sep 2013.