Raft the gentle upper reaches of the Shotover River on this half-day trip through Skippers Canyon. You'll drive from Queenstown through a former gold-mining region and learn about this significant part of New Zealand's history. The Class I and II rapids are suitable for ages three years old and up.

Half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. As your experienced guide navigates the awe-inspiring canyon, you can relax and enjoy numerous historic sites along the journey, including a century old suspension bridge and the township of Skippers. Gain an insight into the local heritage through photos and relics in the restored schoolhouse before trying your hand at gold panning.

On this premier scenic flight you will marvel at the outstanding landforms and stunning beauty of the Wakatipu basin. The untamed Shotover River is revealed in rugged Skippers Canyon. See spectacular film locations from Lord of the Rings. The flight includes a landing at the Remarkables, 1538 meters above Queenstown where you can stand in the snow during Winter and admire the fantastic panoramic views.

See the land where The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. After a complimentary hotel pickup, you will arrive and meet your helicopter pilot, who was the actual film pilot for the movies. You will fly along the Shotover River, over the mountain range from the opening scene of The Two Towers on the way to landing on a glacier alongside the Misty Mountains and get a sense of what it might be like to cross The Redhorn Pass. You will head across to Glenorchy via the Dart Valley and Mt Earnslaw to see the natural features you may better recognize as Isengard, Amon Hen and Lothlorien. This 70 min excursion will conclude with a drive back to your hotel in Queensland. 

Head out on a scenic 25 minute shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown. There's the opportunity to explore Arrowtown and grab a coffee before starting you ride. The route first follows the stunning Arrow River Trail, crossing the river via a few spectacular bridges. From there you'll join the Twin Rivers Trail, which follows the the Kawarau and Shotover rivers to the shores of Lake Whakatipu, with a few bigger climbs on this section. This ride finishes back at our shop in central Queenstown (9 Duke Street). This is an awesome adventure day, and a great way to explore the purpose-built biking trails. A detailed map and full navigation is given at the start of your ride. The minimum riding distance is 35 km with a few decent hills. This ride is only for those who are confident and capable riders. E-bike upgrades are also recommended. Shuttle depart Queenstown as follows: • SUMMER (1 Sept - 30 Apr): 9:00 AM • WINTER (1 May - 31 Aug): 10:00 AM

Begin your journey with a convenient hotel pick-up in Queenstown, available at three different times: 6:10am, 7:40am, or 8:40am. Scenic drive to Milford Sound Embark on a 4-hour drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Witness the transformation of landscapes as you travel through Southland's farmlands and into the heart of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the drive continues, lush rainforests and glacier-carved valleys unfold, offering photo-worthy moments at iconic spots like the Eglinton Valley – a testament to nature's artistry – and Mirror Lakes, which mirrors the majestic Earl Mountains. Milford Sound cruise The highlight of the trip is a 1-hour 45-minute cruise on the Milford Sound aboard the 'Gem of the Sound', the only glass-roof vessel in the fiord. As the vessel nears the Stirling Falls waterfall, brace yourself for a refreshing spray when the bow ventures beneath! Satisfy your palate with complimentary meals from an onboard café while soaking in views that feel painted just for you. The vessel's spacious decks, large windows, and HD camera footage ensure you don't miss a moment of this surreal view. Return Drive to Queenstown After the cruise, relax on a return drive to Queenstown, reflecting on the day's magnificent sights and experiences. The drive will conclude with a drop-off at your hotel. Flight upgrade to Milford Sound Upgrade your trip with a 1-hour 20-minute round-trip flight between Queenstown and Milford Sound. Marvel at Central Otago's landscapes, Lake Wakatipu, and the contrasts of glacial rivers. Fly over UNESCO-listed Mt. Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, witnessing snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. Return flight showcases the Southern Alps, Remarkables, and Shotover River.

Experience the dramatic Kawarau Gorge, home to the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, where you can stop and watch AJ Hackett Bungy jumpers jump from a height of 43 meters. Relax with a glass of wine at Gibson Valley Winery while you take in the beauty all around you. Explore Arrowtown with your guide and learn about the historic Chinese Village and the colonial architecture of Queenstown. Lend your ears to the live commentary on board and pull out your phone cameras for beautiful panoramic views from Coronet Saddle Lookout. Marvel at the Shotover River Gorge in all its majestic glory and learn why it is known as one of the richest rivers in the world.

KJet offers an exhilarating 60-minute adventure, racing across Lake Wakatipu, down the iconic Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, delivering an unforgettable adrenaline rush amidst the stunning landscape of New Zealand.

Book this Shotover River whitewater rafting and enjoy grade 3-5 whitewater rapids if you're an adrenaline junky visiting Queenstown!

Go on the Shotover River white water rafting adventure if you’re an adrenaline junkie visiting the Queenstown region of NZ! Those with a zest for the more adrenaline-pumping side of whitewater rafting will be ecstatic with a journey down the pristine waters of Queenstown's Shotover River.