Hanmer Springs: Waiau Gorge Rafting Tour

Soar through the heart of Hanmer Springs’ Waiau Gorge on an unforgettable rafting adventure. Expert guides navigate grade 2 rapids, leading you through a breathtaking natural wonderland of towering rock formations and diverse wildlife. Over two adrenaline-fueled hours, you’ll experience the thrill of whitewater rafting while taking in the area’s captivating beauty. With safety as the top priority, this personalized tour for up to eight participants promises excitement for both outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As you glide back by jet boat, the memories of this one-of-a-kind journey will linger, leaving you eager to uncover more.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Hanmer Springs.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Pricing

3 Rafting Experience

4 Location and Accessibility

5 Safety and Participation Requirements

6 Customer Reviews

7 Feedback

8 Booking Information

Key Points

This 2-hour rafting tour in Hanmer Springs offers an exhilarating experience navigating through grade 2 rapids, with stunning rock formations and scenic mountain/forest views.
The tour is limited to a small group of 8 participants, providing a personalized and intimate adventure, with safety-focused guidance from expert guides.
The tour includes a thrilling jet boat ride back to the base, allowing participants to further enjoy the picturesque Waiau Gorge.
With a starting price of $78.67 per person and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, the tour provides flexibility and value for adventure seekers.
The tour is located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore the outdoor activities in the Hanmer Springs region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Embark on an exhilarating 2-hour Waiau Gorge Rafting Tour that whisks adventurers through grade 2 rapids, unveiling a captivating natural canvas of rock formations and crystal-clear waters teeming with salmon and trout.

Priced from just $78.67 per person, this limited group tour (up to 8 participants) promises an unforgettable journey deep into Hanmer Springs’ untamed wilderness.

Marvel at the breathtaking mountain and forest vistas as you return to base via jet boat.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve your spot and pay later, there’s no reason not to book this thrilling rafting experience today.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hanmer Springs.

Pricing

The Waiau Gorge Rafting Tour offers an exhilarating adventure at a price starting from just $78.67 per person, allowing thrill-seekers to experience the heart-pumping rapids and stunning natural landscapes of the Hanmer Springs region.

For a mere 2 hours, participants can navigate grade 2 rapids, marveling at the rock formations and crystal-clear waters teeming with salmon and trout.

The tour’s small group size, limited to just 8 people, ensures a more intimate and personalized experience.

Even better, travelers can book their spot and pay nothing upfront, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply seeking a breathtaking outdoor adventure, the Waiau Gorge Rafting Tour delivers an unbeatable value.

Rafting Experience

Venturing down the Waiau River, participants navigate grade 2 rapids, marveling at the captivating rock formations and crystal-clear waters teeming with salmon and trout. This exhilarating rafting experience offers a perfect balance of excitement and scenic beauty.

Paddlers will:

Conquer the rushing currents of the Waiau Gorge
Admire the towering cliffs and lush, verdant surroundings
Keep an eye out for native wildlife, including birds and aquatic life
Relish the adrenaline-fueled journey, with expert guides ensuring safety
Conclude the tour with a thrilling jet boat ride back to the base

This Waiau Gorge rafting adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with the rugged, picturesque landscapes of Hanmer Springs.

Location and Accessibility

Located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch, the adventure capital of Hanmer Springs beckons thrill-seekers with its array of exhilarating activities.

Hanmer Springs is renowned for its captivating bungy jumps and thrilling quad bike safaris, and the Waiau Gorge rafting tour is yet another must-try experience in this outdoor playground.

The tour’s meeting point is the Hanmer Springs Attractions River Base, situated at 839 Hanmer Springs Road, providing easy access to the river’s edge.

Nestled amidst the majestic mountains and lush forests, this picturesque setting offers a breathtaking backdrop for your rafting adventure.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Waiau Gorge, where nature’s grandeur and adrenaline-fueled excitement converge.

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Safety and Participation Requirements

Fully-qualified rafting guides provide a comprehensive safety briefing to participants, ensuring they’re well-informed and equipped to tackle the Waiau Gorge’s grade 2 rapids.

To join this exhilarating adventure, adventurers must meet the following requirements:

Fit into the provided safety equipment, including life jackets and helmets
Be at least 6 years old, as the tour isn’t suitable for younger children
Possess a moderate level of fitness to navigate the river’s swift currents
Follow all instructions from the guides without hesitation for a safe experience
Be prepared for an adrenaline-fueled journey through the stunning Waiau Gorge.

With safety as the top priority, visitors can embark on this thrilling rafting tour with peace of mind, ready to enjoy the natural beauty of Hanmer Springs.

Here's some more things to do in Hanmer Springs

Customer Reviews

Travellers’ insights on the Waiau Gorge Rafting Tour paint a mixed picture, with some applauding the top-notch organization and service, while others expressing disappointment over the action level and handling of lost items.

Many rave about the thrilling ride down the crystal-clear Waiau River, navigating through grade 2 rapids surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and lush forests. Reviewers highlight the professionalism of the guides and the seamless experience from start to finish.

However, a few customers reported problems with lost personal items and felt the tour didn’t quite match the adrenaline-fueled adventure they’d anticipated.

Feedback

The Waiau Gorge Rafting Tour promises an exhilarating journey through the heart of the rugged New Zealand wilderness, where adrenaline-fueled rapids and breathtaking vistas await adventurous souls.

Feedback from past participants has been mixed, with some highlighting the exceptional service, organization, and overall value, while others have voiced concerns about the intensity of the rapids and the responsiveness of the staff.

However, the tour’s popularity remains strong, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the sheer power and beauty of the Waiau River.

Adventurers can look forward to:

Navigating grade 2 rapids with a skilled guide
Marveling at the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters
Spotting native wildlife like salmon and trout
Enjoying the scenic jet boat ride back to base
Creating lasting memories of their Hanmer Springs escapade.

Booking Information

When can adventurous souls secure their spot on this thrilling Waiau Gorge rafting expedition? Fortunately, booking this excursion is a breeze – simply visit the tour operator’s website or give them a call to reserve your place amid the awe-inspiring scenery of Hanmer Springs.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to pay later, the path to embarking on this exhilarating journey is paved with convenience.

Don’t miss the chance to navigate the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the rugged rock formations on this unforgettable 2-hour rafting adventure.

Limited to just 8 participants, this exclusive experience promises an adrenaline-fueled encounter with nature at its finest.