Experience the Best Kawarau River Rafting & Boat Tours

Unleash your inner adventurer on the legendary Kawarau River, New Zealand's premier destination for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you are looking for heart-pounding white water rafting through beginner-friendly rapids, scenic boat tours, or high-speed river excursions, our curated experiences deliver pure excitement. Immerse yourself in breathtaking natural landscapes and stunning scenic views that make every moment unforgettable. From guided group adventures to private excursions, find the perfect river experience tailored to your passion for exploration. Book your Kawarau River journey today and experience the ultimate blend of nature and thrill!

4.7/5 avg ratingFrom $75 per person17 unique experiencesFree cancellation available

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$107–$191 typical

Median price is $145, with a full range of $75–$525

Rating

Rating

4.74★ average

Based on 2,795 pooled reviews, often described as amazing

Tour Duration

Tour Duration

1.3–8 hours typical

Median duration is 4.5 hours

Best For

Best For

Adventure & Nature

Adventure themes make up 65% of options

Tour Types

Tour Types

Boat & Rafting

Boat tours (35%) and rafting (29%) are most common

Languages

Languages

5 languages offered

English, Chinese, German, Spanish, and Japanese

15 Products

Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese
$129$143
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Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese
Summary

Classic Wine Tour - Running Daily 1:30pm - 5pm Get a real taste for Central Otago wines with an interactive afternoon tour through Queenstown’s neighbouring wine region, Gibbston, otherwise known as the “Valley of Vines”. Enjoy tastings at three unique cellar doors including a guided tour and win...

Inclusions
  • Knowledgeable Wine Guide
  • Cheeseboard to accompany one of the wine tastings
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Wine tastings at 3 vineyards
  • Guided Tour of New Zealand's largest underground Wine Cave
Itinerary
  • Appellation Wine Tours
  • Gibbston Valley Winery
  • Kawarau River
  • Kawarau Suspension Bridge
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Minimum drinking age is 18 years, Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride
Summary

Enjoy a rafting experience on the Kawarau River, ideal for first-timers. Enjoy a scenic adventure including a thrilling jet boat ride to the launch site.

Everything Queenstown 4 Hour Private Tour
$508
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Everything Queenstown 4 Hour Private Tour
Summary

Our knowledgeable guides are passionate locals who are dedicated to bringing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this stunning region to life. Join us on our immersive tour and discover the hidden gems and captivating stories that make Queenstown, Arrowtown, and the surrounding area tru...

Inclusions
  • Queenstown pickup and drop-off
  • Local taxes
  • Private Tour in Luxury European Tour Vehicle
  • Manuka Honey tasting
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks
Itinerary
  • Lake Wakatipu
  • Kawarau River
  • Lake Hayes Walkway
  • Frankton Trail
  • Arrowtown
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, You need to waiting 10 minutes before start time at pick up point., Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, No food or drinks except water are allowed in the tour van., Not suitable for guests allergic to bees., Not recommended for travelers allergic to bees.
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Queenstown: Serious Fun River Surfing
$161
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Queenstown: Serious Fun River Surfing
Summary

Try River Surfing in Queenstown. On this adventure trip take on the mighty rapids on a bodyboard.

Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (One-Way)
$107
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Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (One-Way)
Summary

Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour, this fully-guided 1-way transfer allows you to travel in style while learning about all the highlights along the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge...

Inclusions
  • Fully Guided Small Group Tour
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Water available & snacks provided
Itinerary
  • Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
  • Lake Pukaki
  • High Country Salmon
  • Lindis Pass
  • Kawarau Suspension Bridge
  • Kawarau River
  • Queenstown
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own, Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Queenstown: Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting
Summary

A scenic route down the waters of the Kawarau River brings the perfect conditions for those new to white water rafting!

Kawarau River White Water Rafting by RealNZ
Summary

Tackle grade 2–3 rapids on the Kawarau River with certified guides, including the iconic 400m Dog Leg rapid, on this 4.5-hour rafting adventure. Getting started Check in at the Rafting Base in Queenstown, where you’ll meet your guides and receive a full safety briefing. After gearing up with provide...

Inclusions
  • - 1-hour rafting on the Kawarau River
  • - Experienced rafting guides
  • - Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base
  • - All rafting and safety equipment including wetsuit and helmet
  • - Use of hot showers
  • - 25-minute jet boat ride (based on selected option)
Exclusions
  • - Food (can be purchased at Canyon Brewing Queenstown after the trip)
Queenstown: Kawarau Zipride! (Family Fun Experience)
$29
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Queenstown: Kawarau Zipride! (Family Fun Experience)
Summary

Fly 130m over the beautiful Kawarau River on a fun, high-speed zipride. Go solo or ride alongside friends – it’s fast, scenic, and perfect for all ages. Located at the World Home of Bungy!

Kawarau River White Water Rafting and Jet Boat Ride by RealNZ
Summary

Kick off your adventure with a jet boat ride to the Kawarau River, then tackle beginner-friendly white water rafting. Getting started Arrive at the designated meeting point, where staff will check your booking and provide a quick safety briefing. Board the jet boat for a high-speed journey to the ri...

Inclusions
  • - 1-hour rafting on the Kawarau River
  • - Professional rafting guides
  • - 25-minute jet boat ride
  • - Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base
  • - All rafting and safety equipment, including wetsuit and helmet
  • - Use of hot showers
Private Central Otago Wine tasting Tour with Gourmet Lunch.
$442
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Private Central Otago Wine tasting Tour with Gourmet Lunch.
Summary

Our Taste Of Central Tour presents a chance for a remarkable tasting adventure. This tour is designed to discover three subregions of Central Otago, providing private tasting sessions showcasing award-winning local wines. It combines deep-rooted history with visits to iconic sites, and exclusive bou...

Itinerary
  • Gibbston
  • Kawarau River
  • Bannockburn
  • Cromwell
  • Cromwell
  • Gibbston
  • Arrowtown
  • Queenstown
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, the duration of the tour includes travel time
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Kawarau River.