Kawarau River White Water Rafting and Jet Boating

From jet boat thrills to whitewater spills

Your adventure kicks off in true Queenstown style... at high speed. Step aboard a powerful jet boat and rocket down the Kawarau River at an exhilarating 95 km/h. Hold on tight as your driver pulls off sharp turns and heart-racing 360-degree spins, skimming past canyon walls so close you’ll feel the spray. Lord of the Rings fans, does something seem familiar? That's right! You're in Middle Earth. The Kawarau starred as the River Anduin in The Lord of the Rings, and its rugged beauty is straight out of a fantasy world. After a thrilling ride, arrive at the rafting station where your next challenge awaits.

Ride the rapids and take the leap

Trading speed for paddle power, you’ll hit the water with your expert rafting guide leading the charge. Navigate 8 kilometers of swirling grade 2-3 rapids, with an occasional grade 4 when the river runs high. Between waves, float through calm stretches where you can swim, soak in the scenery, or challenge the other rafts to a friendly race. The grand finale? The Dog Leg Rapid – New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid, stretching 400 meters of churning whitewater. Feeling brave? Try the optional cliff jump before heading back to the base for a well-earned hot shower before heading to Queenstown. Then check out the free digital photos of your rafting adventure. You might discover your “brave” face looks more like pure panic.

Kawarau River White Water Rafting and Jet Boating

Thrilling your senses and igniting your spirit, this adventure invites you to navigate the pulse of nature’s might as you raft through 8 kilometers of grade 2-3 rapids (and daring grade 4 in high water), culminating at the legendary Dog Leg rapid, New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid. Each splash and gush promises a symphony of adrenaline and awe, with the option to leap into the action with a cliff jump that adds an extra layer of excitement for those seeking the ultimate rush. Conquer the Kawarau River’s rapids, where every wave whispers tales of adventure and resilience, providing unforgettable moments woven into the fabric of your journey. With jet boats racing at 95 km/h along canyon walls, pulling off exhilarating spins that test gravity’s limits, this tour weaves daring feats with breathtaking scenery, offering an escape to forge indelible memories while understanding that every drop is a story waiting to be lived.

Visit Kawarau Bridge's Iconic Bungee Jump

Visit the historic Kawarau Bridge during the tour’s highlight segment where you’ll step onto the site of the world’s first commercial bungee jump, launched in 1988. This bridge not only marks a pivotal moment in adventure history but also serves as a gateway to Queenstown’s reputation as the adventure capital of the world. Standing tall at over 43 meters, the Kawarau Bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the river and mountains that frame its enduring legacy. As you stand beneath this iconic structure, imagine the courage it takes to leap into the unknown, a testament to human spirit and the pursuit of exhilarating experiences.

Experience Dog Leg Rapid's Majestic Power

Experience the awe-inspiring Dog Leg rapid as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring the Kawarau River’s most challenging stretch. This 400-meter long rapid is a natural playground for rafting enthusiasts, testing your skills and fortitude against its powerful currents and sharp turns. The sheer magnitude of this rapid makes it a landmark in itself, offering an unmatched sense of accomplishment to those who conquer it. As you paddle through the heart of Dog Leg, each stroke brings you closer to mastering the river’s relentless energy, creating memories that feel like navigating through a living masterpiece.

Marvel at Kawarau River's Natural Beauty

Marvel at the Kawarau River as part of the tour package enabling access to its stunning landscapes. This river winds through canyons and valleys, carving out scenes straight from a filmmaker’s dream, where every bend reveals new vistas of natural beauty. From lush greenery to sheer rock faces, the river’s surroundings offer an ever-changing backdrop that enhances your adventure with each passing mile. As you float or race along its waters, you’ll find yourself in harmony with nature’s raw power and tranquility, forging connections that last far beyond the tour.

Explore Queenstown's Adventure Heritage

Explore Queenstown’s rich heritage of adventure as a centerpiece where every activity—from bungee jumping to jet boating—embodies the spirit of exploration and daring. This town not only hosts world-class adventures but also serves as a hub for adrenaline seekers from around the globe, blending modern thrill with natural wonder. As you traverse its landscapes via river rafting or high-speed jets, Queenstown’s legacy comes alive in every moment, creating an environment where every experience feels like part of a grand narrative.

Tour Highlights

• Conquer grade 2-3 rapids with thrilling optional cliff jumps
• Race through New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid at 400m
• Experience jet boat spins reaching up to 95 km/h skimming canyon walls
• Discover the world’s first commercial bungee jump site at Kawarau Bridge
• Marvel at stunning landscapes straight from a filmmaker’s dream
• Feel the rush of overcoming grade 4 rapids in high water conditions
• Craft memories that feel like navigating through nature's living masterpiece

Raft for explorers of natural wonder, jet boat for devotees of speed and daring, and leap into the action for seekers of unbridled adventure, this exhilarating journey through New Zealand’s heartland weaves raw power with breathtaking vistas, offering unforgettable encounters to forge lasting bonds while understanding that every splash is a story waiting to be told.