Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Trip
About This Experience
Tackle six rapids along the Shotover River on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting trip. Marvel at breathtaking scenery, navigate rapids, and go for a swim when the water is calm.
Highlights
- Feel the adrenaline rush of navigating 6 intense rapids on the Shotover River
- Raft through harrowing darkness for a thrilling 170m in the Oxenbridge Tunnel
- Travel through pristine and rugged nature in the hard-to-access Skippers Canyon
- Navigate the challenging Shotover River whitewater rapids with a guide's help
- Stay safe with the provided wetsuits, rafting equipment, and a safety briefing
What's Included
- ✓ Wetsuit
- ✓ Rafting equipment
- ✓ Whitewater rafting trip
- ✓ Professional photography services
- ✓ Safety briefing
- ✓ Transportation to the river
- ✓ Hot shower
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to Bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Comfortable clothes
Good to Know & Caveats
- You will get wet during this activity
- This activity takes place rain or shine
- All participants must sign a waiver form
- Rafters must be water-confident, able to swim in fast-moving water, and agree to carefully follow guides' instructions
- This activity is not suitable for those under 13 years of age, under 88 pounds (40kg), or over 264 pounds (120kg), nor for those who have a heart condition or are taking heart medication, nor for pregnant women
- Rafters under 17 years must be accompanied by a guardian, and rafters under 18 years must have a waiver form signed by a guardian
- Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk, and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants' safety
- The local partner reserves the right to refuse participation and cancel the trip due to minimum numbers not being met, road/weather/river conditions, we will offer guests the option to reschedule to another available departure or a full refund will be issued
Not Suitable For
- Children under 13 years
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
- People with heart problems
- Wheelchair users
- Non-swimmers
- People over 264 lbs (120 kg)
- People under 88 lbs (40 kg)
Meeting Point
Meet at the Raft Base located at 1 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point (approx. 10 minute drive from centre of Queenstown). Please contact Challenge Rafting reservations if you would prefer to self drive to the Raft Base.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 78 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
I really felt my confidence improve whilst practicing manoeuvres early on and my guide Jess checking my paddle technique.
— Megan, December 27, 2025
Fabulous day! Water was high and so the river was great. However, I need to also shout out to the great staff and organization. Everything was very smooth, organized and professional. I've rafted in Canada and Argentina and this was the best!
— Jim, November 22, 2025
lots of fun - great balance of adrenaline rush with bigger rapids and calmer ones alternating. Coach ride to the starting point was memorable on old mining road with lots of turns and a big drop on the side.
— Ben, January 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How does rafting the Shotover compare with jet boating it?
Same river, opposite experience. A jet boat runs you through the canyon in 25 minutes at speed; this is four hours in the water, working six grade 4-5 rapids yourself — Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, Pinball and the final Cascade — with calm stretches to swim in between.
What is the Oxenbridge Tunnel?
A 170-metre tunnel the raft passes through in darkness, cut as part of the area’s gold-mining works. It sits mid-trip, between rapids.
Who cannot raft this trip?
It is not suitable for anyone under 13, under 40 kg or over 120 kg, for pregnant women, for non-swimmers, for wheelchair users or anyone with mobility impairments, or for anyone with a heart condition. Rafters must be water-confident and able to swim in fast-moving water.
What is included?
Wetsuit and all rafting equipment, the safety briefing, transport from Queenstown to the river, a hot shower afterwards, and professional photography. Food, drinks and hotel pickup are not included. Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes.
Where does it start and does it run in the rain?
At the raft base, 1 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, about ten minutes from central Queenstown. The trip runs rain or shine, and you will get wet. Everyone signs a waiver; under-17s need a guardian along.
Other Rides on These Rivers
From Queenstown: Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip
From Queenstown: Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience
Queenstown: Hydro Attack Shark Ride
Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience
From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride
