about usaboutChallenge Rafting offers exciting half day whitewater rafting and raft combo experiences on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in the adventure capital of the world: Queenstown, New Zealand.
Experiences offer everything from calm waters to thundering rapids. There is something for everyone.
Professional and experienced guides provide instruction and guidance ensure your experience in enjoyable and exciting. All experiences include courtesy coach transfers, specialist on-river clothing (wetsuit, booties, life jacket), safety briefing and a hot shower after your rafting experience.
Rafting operations are undertaken and managed by RealNZ
SafetySafety of guests is paramount. Challenge Rafting and RealNZ operate within strict safety guidelines. It is important to listen carefully to the instructions of your guide.
Rafting is recommended for people over the age of 13 years, who are confident in the water. No experience is required, but you need to be confident in the water with moderate fitness.
Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk. The rafting operator cannot be held responsible for personal injury or for equipment lost or damaged. We reserve the right to cancel or amend any trip due to river or road conditions, weather conditions or failure to meet minimum numbers. All prices are subject to change. This is subject to any rights or remedies you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
Challenge Rafting holds Qualmark Gold accreditation.
Raft gradesIt’s more exciting to raft and harder to navigate
Higher risk of falling out the raft
Has more rapids than the Kawarau
You must be a confident swimmer to raft on this river
Shotover River
Graded 3-5 which means:
Kawarau River
Graded 2-3 (occasionally grade 2-4 at higher water levels), which means:
It’s easier to navigate
Lower risk of falling out of the raft
Flat stretches of river between the rapids
More time for swimming
The Kawarau River is a much deeper and bigger river
Experience ends with a 400 metre long, grade 3 rapid
You must be a confident swimmer to raft on this river