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Kawarau River Jet Boat and Rafting Adventure

QTR024
For 1 person
Instant book

Kawarau River Jet Boat and Rafting Adventure

For 1 person
Instant book
QTR024

Highlights

  • Tackle grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a 30 minute jet boat ride
  • Take on New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid - the 400m Dog Leg
  • Scenic journey to the Kawarau River to meet your raft
  • Optional cliff-jumping and rapid swimming for extra excitement
  • An opportunity to do a 2-in-1 all-adrenaline experience

Kick off with a thrilling 30-minute Jet Boat ride across Lake Whakatipu, then raft Grade 2–3 rapids on the Kawarau River. Tackle the 400m Dog Leg rapid, enjoy scenic sections, optional cliff-jumping, and learn about the area’s history before returning to hot showers at the Rafting Base.

What's Included?

  • Return shuttle bus from Queenstown to the rafting base
  • Full wetsuit, rafting clothing and all safety equipment
  • Extensive safety briefing
  • 30 minute jet boat ride to the raft put in
  • Rafting on the Kawarau River
  • Hot showers at the end

Experience the perfect introduction to white-water rafting with a thrilling combination of high-speed jet boating and an unforgettable rafting adventure on the Kawarau River. Your journey begins with an action-packed 30-minute Jet Boat ride across Lake Whakatipu, complete with 360?degree spins, quick turns, and plenty of splashes as you skim close to the water’s edge. It’s the ideal warm-up, boosting the adrenaline before you even reach the river. At the Kawarau River, meet your guide and gear up for a scenic but exciting rafting trip through one of Queenstown’s most iconic waterways. The Kawarau offers a mix of gentle flowing stretches and fun Grade 2–3 rapids — perfect for first-time rafters or anyone looking for a softer white-water experience without compromising on adventure. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the region’s gold-mining history and The Lord of the Rings filming locations that make this river so special.

A highlight of the trip is tackling the famous 400-metre Dog Leg Rapid, the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. For those wanting a little extra thrill, optional cliff-jumping and rapid swimming sections add even more excitement to the day. After your rafting adventure, head back to the Rafting Base to warm up with hot showers and changing facilities. With a mix of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and hands-on river action, this Jet Boat and Kawarau River rafting combo is one of the most fun and accessible ways to experience Queenstown’s adventure playground.

Session Length

  • Tours commence seven days a week at 9am
  • Please allow 4.5 hours for this experience
  • Available seasonally from mid-October - late April only
  • Does not operate on Christmas Day

Guidelines

  • The minimum age is 13 years. Guardian conditions apply for those under 18 years
  • Minimum weight is 40kg and the maximum weight is 120kg
  • Participants must be competent in the water with moderate fitness
  • Participants with a heart condition or taking heart medication are not able to participate
  • Not suitable for pregnant women

Cancellation

  • Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
  • Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
  • Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

Numbers on the Day

Minimum of eight participants.

Weather

In the event of rain or inclement weather, this experience will still go ahead unless contacted by the experience provider.

Dress Code

Bring your swimsuit and a towel. It is advised that you don't bring any valuables with you.

Other Info

RealNZ is going cashless on all food and beverage purchases in experience. This means that all food and beverage purchases aboard our vessels in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, and Te Anau, as well as at Walter Peak and the Manapouri Café, will no longer accept cash. A cashless system will provide a smoother, more efficient experience for both our guests and staff. Our payment terminals accept all major credit cards and debit cards, including AMEX, WeChat Pay, AliPay and Union Pay, as well as contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Note: Fee of 1.5% applies to food and beverage purchases by credit card only. The fee does not apply to purchases in Retail Store at Walter Peak, or merchandise purchased from our Visitor Centres.

This experience takes place in and around Queenstown.

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