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Real Journeys - Queenstown Rafting

Queenstown is the ideal place to meet the challenge of white water rafting. Experience an unforgettable adventure in breathtaking surroundings – as you raft surging rapids and idyllic river stretches. Choose the spectacular Shotover River, or the equally beautiful but more gentle Kawarau River. Alternatively join the ultimate wilderness rafting adventure - the three-day Landsborough Wilderness Experience.

SHOTOVER RIVER RAFTING

Whether you drive, or helicopter with us into historic Skippers Canyon, the approach is magnificent. Deep river canyons cut through golden tussock-covered mountain ranges. Encounter the white water action of 'Rock Garden', 'Sharks Fin', 'Toilet', 'Pinball', 'Jaws' and 'Sequel' rapids.

Frenetic excitement alternates with idyllic moments. The unforgettable 170m 'Oxenbridge tunnel' and 'Cascade' rapid provide an exciting finish (grade 3-4+ rapids).

• Duration 4 hours 30 mins (drive), 3 hours (Heli-rafting summer), 4 hours (Heli-rafting winter).
• Suitable for water competent people (13 years and over)
• Winter (June - Sept): Helicopter ride into Skippers Canyon is the only Shotover River option available.
• Transfer from accommodation or Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre to Cavell's Rafting Lodge
• Comprehensive briefing provided on safety and paddling techniques
• Sauna and hot showers at Cavell's Rafting Lodge
• Complimentary snack and refreshments provided

* Note: Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants' safety. Participants need to listen carefully to our guides' instructions. We reserver the right to cancel trips or substitute another river or section of river for safety reasons.

SHOTOVER RIVER HELI-RAFTING

Shotover River Heli Rafting is the only way to experience Shotover River rafting in winter as well as summer!

Climb aboard your jet-turbine-powered helicopter for a spectacular flight up Skippers Canyon, the site of one of the world’s richest gold strikes. The flight pushes your adrenalin level to the edge with a rollercoaster ride through the Canyon.

Rafting from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, we head toward the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon, experiencing the memorable rapids Rock Garden, Sharks Fin, Toilet, Pinball, Jaws, Sequel and the unforgettable 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel, followed closely by Cascade Rapid.

The ultimate Queenstown outdoor adventure!

• Transfer from hotel or Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre to Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Full wetsuit rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
• Travel to O’Connells Heli-Pad, Coronet Peak
• Rollercoaster helicopter flight to Deep Creek in summer and Boulder Beach in winter, Skippers Canyon
• Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
• Raft the Shotover River
• Hot showers and sauna
• Complimentary snack and refreshments provided
• Transfer/Return travel to Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre

TRIPLE CHALLENGE

The Triple Challenge Combination Trip is a great value outdoor adventure package, combining three awesome activities: an exhilarating jetboat ride on the world-famous Shotover Jet; action packed helicopter ride; and adrenaline fuelled white water rafting adventure!

• Report to Queenstown Rafting, 35 Shotover St, Queenstown
• A short briefing on the format of the Triple Challenge
• Walk to Shotover Jet at The Station and transfer to jetty by courtesy transport.
• Experience the exciting Shotover Jet -- “The World’s Most Exciting Jetboat Ride”
• Immediately following jetboat ride, proceed to Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Change into full wetsuit
• Transfer to helipad
• Rollercoaster helicopter flight with The Helicopter Line into Skippers Canyon
• Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
• Raft the Shotover River
• Hot showers and sauna at Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Complimentary snack and refreshments provided
• Transfer/Return transport to Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre

TWIN CHALLENGE

This adventure package combines an adrenaline charged jetboat ride on the thrilling Shotover Jet (Twin Challenge) or Kawarau Jet (Twin Thriller) with an action packed white water rafting experience. Add some excitement to your holiday with this great adrenaline activity!

• Report to Queenstown Rafting, 35 Shotover St, Queenstown
• A short briefing on the format for your rafting package
• Walk to Shotover Jet at The Station and transfer to jetty by courtesy transport or join K-Jet at the Queenstown wharf.
• Experience the exciting Shotover Jet -- “The World’s Most Exciting Jetboat Ride” or K-Jet -- “The longest jetboat ride in Queenstown”
• Immediately following jetboat ride, proceed to Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Change into full wetsuit
• Transfer to Deep Creek, Skippers Canyon
• Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
• Raft the Shotover River
• Hot showers and sauna at Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Complimentary snack and refreshments provided
• Transfer/Return transport to Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre

NEVIS TRIPLE CHALLENGE

This outdoor adventure package includes a thrilling jetboat ride on the world famous Shotover Jet, followed by a helicopter ride into stunning Skippers Canyon. Next, hit the adrenaline pumping rapids of the Shotover river for the ultimate white water experience, and round it all off with a Nevis Highwire Bungy jump. The ultimate adrenaline package!

• Report to Queenstown Rafting, 35 Shotover St, Queenstown
• A short briefing on the format of Nevis Triple Challenge activities
• Walk to Shotover Jet at The Station and transfer to jetty by courtesy transport
• Experience the exciting Shotover Jet -- “The World’s Most Exciting Jetboat Ride”
• Immediately following jetboat ride, proceed to Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Change into full wetsuit
• Transfer to helipad
• Rollercoaster helicopter flight with The Helicopter Line into Skippers Canyon
• Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
• Raft the Shotover River
• Hot showers and sauna at Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Complimentary snack and refreshments provided
• Transfer/Return to Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre
• Check in at AJ Hackett -- The Station
• Nevis Highwire Bungy
• Return transfer to Queenstown

KAWARAU RIVER RAFTING

Stretches of quiet water allow ample time to practice paddling techniques, look at the scenery or get caught up in a friendly water fight.

Four rapids -- Smiths Falls, Twin Bridges, Do Little Do Nothing, and of course, the unforgettable 400m Chinese Dog Leg, make this trip a great introduction to the thrills and adventure of white water rafting.

• Transport from hotel or Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre to Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Change into full wetsuit rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
• Transfer to Kawarau River put-in point
• Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
• Raft the Kawarau River
• Return transfer to Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Hot showers and sauna
• Complimentary snack and refreshments provided
• Transfer/Return travel to Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre

Departure Point:
Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre, 35 Shotover St, Queenstown

Equipment Supplied:
All rafting equipment, clothing and transport (including wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit booties, and a life jacket)

Client Information:
Swimsuit and towel necessary
Complimentary snack and refreshments provided
We do not recommend valuables be brought along (i.e., passports/travellers cheques/jewellery, etc.)
No responsibility is taken for clients’ belongings
Rafting is not available to children aged under 13 years
In the event the Shotover River is unsuitable, rafting may be transferred to the Kawarau River

SCHEDULES