Upper Hutt’s Te Awa Kairangi river delivers some of New Zealand’s finest whitewater adventures. Two difficulty levels accommodate both thrill-seekers and casual paddlers: challenging Grade 3 tours for experienced adventurers, and gentler Grade 2 options perfect for families and first-timers.
I’m particularly fond of the Grade 2 Scenic Rafting Tour – it’s a smart choice for newcomers who want to enjoy wildlife spotting while staying dry (mostly). For experienced paddlers, the Grade 3 Wilderness Duckie Tour stands out as the day’s best adventure, offering an exciting personal challenge with professional backup.
Let’s explore the top river tours that make Upper Hutt special.
Key Points
- Te Awa Kairangi offers thrilling Grade 3 whitewater duckie tours and more gentle Grade 2 scenic duckie tours suitable for a wide age range.
- The Grade 3 whitewater rafting tour in Wellington provides an adrenaline-filled experience through class 3 rapids and waterfalls.
- The Grade 2 scenic rafting tour on Te Awa Kairangi is a family-friendly, leisurely experience with opportunities to spot native New Zealand birds.
- All tours emphasize safety measures, eco-friendly practices, and offer professional guidance and gear for an enjoyable experience.
- Ratings and reviews suggest the tours provide a high-quality experience catering to both adventure seekers and those looking for a scenic, relaxing outing.
Te Awa Kairangi Grade 3 Wilderness Whitewater Duckie Tour
The Te Awa Kairangi Grade 3 Wilderness Whitewater Duckie Tour offers thrill-seeking adventurers a chance to glide over class 3 rapids on a 10.5 km stretch of the Te Awa Kairangi River.
Priced from $139.03 per person, the 3-hour tour takes place in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, and is wheelchair accessible.
Highlights include rock jumps, swimming opportunities, and a picnic lunch. All necessary gear, including professional photos, is provided.
Suitable for ages 11 and up, the tour requires swimwear, a change of clothes, and biodegradable sunscreen.
Intoxication, littering, and touching animals are prohibited.
The tour departs from Wellington Rafting behind J.A. Russel on Jupiter Grove.
Read our full review: Te Awa Kairangi Grade 3 Wilderness Whitewater Duckie Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Te Awa Kairangi Grade 2 Scenic Duckie Tour
For those seeking a more leisurely river experience, the Te Awa Kairangi Grade 2 Scenic Duckie Tour offers a gentle alternative to the adrenaline-fueled Grade 3 wilderness tour.
Priced at $83.19 per person, this 2-hour excursion is suitable for ages 4-90, allowing families and groups to discover the native birds and scenic beauty of the river.
The tour includes transportation, all necessary gear, and a live English-speaking guide.
While it doesn’t offer the same white-water thrills, the Grade 2 tour still provides opportunities for rope swings and rock jumps, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more relaxed yet adventurous experience.
Read our full review: Te Awa Kairangi Grade 2 Scenic Duckie Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Wellington: Te Awa Kairangi Class 3 Whitewater Rafting Tour
Thrill-seekers can embark on the Wellington: Te Awa Kairangi Class 3 Whitewater Rafting Tour, priced from $139.03 per person.
The 3-hour guided tour takes rafters through 10.5 km of grade 3 rapids, 4+ waterfalls, ancient native trees, and abundant wildlife. Activities include rock jumps, swimming, and a picnic lunch.
The tour departs from a convenient meeting point with free parking, and pickup/drop-off in Wellington CBD or Upper Hutt is available for an added cost.
Wheelchair-accessible, the tour requires swimwear, a change of clothes, and prohibits intoxication, littering, and cellphone use.
With a 5/5 rating, the tour offers an unforgettable adventure in New Zealand’s stunning wilderness.
Read our full review: Wellington: Te Awa Kairangi Class 3 Whitewater Rafting Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Te Awa Kairangi Grade 2 Scenic Rafting Tour
Although the Te Awa Kairangi Grade 2 Scenic Rafting Tour may not offer the adrenaline rush of its Class 3 counterpart, it provides a more leisurely and family-friendly rafting experience along the Hutt River.
Priced from $83.19 per person, the 2-hour tour features a scenic float, opportunities for rope swings and rock jumps, and the chance to spot native New Zealand birds.
With all gear provided, except personal swimwear, the tour is suitable for ages 4 to 90. Shuttle transportation options are available, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
Reviews praise the tour’s safety, guidance, and suitability for all ages, making it an appealing option for a relaxing day on the water.
Read our full review: Te Awa Kairangi Grade 2 Scenic Rafting Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Upper Hutt offers a range of thrilling water-based activities. Visitors can tackle the whitewater rapids of Te Awa Kairangi on a grade 3 duckie tour or a class 3 rafting tour. For a more leisurely experience, the scenic grade 2 duckie and rafting tours provide the opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the river. With these diverse options, there’s something to suit all adventure levels.