White water rafting in Queenstown is on the Shotover and Kawarau rivers and does not run in winter: RealNZ gives its rafting season as November to March, and Family Adventures' booking calendar opens in November. Bookably lists 4 places to stay in the area around Queenstown.
Operators for white water rafting in Queenstown
- Family Adventures Family rafting trips on the upper Shotover River in Skippers Canyon, with transport from the Camp Street bus stop.
- RealNZ Half-day rafting trips on the Shotover River and the Kawarau River, with a shuttle from central Queenstown.
Listed in alphabetical order. Bookings are made with each operator, not through Bookably, and this list may not be complete.
Good to know about white water rafting in Queenstown
- RealNZ rafts the Shotover River at grades three to five and the Kawarau River usually at grades two to three, and Family Adventures rafts grade one and two rapids on the upper Shotover River.
- RealNZ sets a minimum age of thirteen and weight limits, and asks rafters to be able to swim twenty-five metres unaided.
- Family Adventures takes children from three years, and says no swimming ability is needed.
- RealNZ does not take anyone who is pregnant, and its pages differ on which heart conditions rule a rafter out, so ask RealNZ before booking if one applies.
- Family Adventures leaves from the Camp Street bus stop outside the Station Building, and RealNZ checks in its Kawarau River rafters at its visitor centre on Beach Street.
Details checked October 2026. Confirm with the operator before you book.
Places to stay near Queenstown
Private, luxurious, peaceful escape for 1-4 people Loyalty
Lower Shotover, Queenstown
Sleeps: 4
Beds: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 2
Luxury New Home with Stunning Views
Jacks Point, Queenstown
Sleeps: 8
Beds: 6
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Where to stay for white water rafting in Queenstown
See every place to stay in Queenstown.